HOUSTON – For one Houston woman, baseball isn’t just a pastime, it’s a way of life.
As the Houston Astros start the season, one of their most devoted fans is already counting down. Not just to first pitch, but to another season doing what she loves most.
A lifetime of baseball
For Jan Mingus, baseball is more than a hobby.
“It’s just part of me,” she says.
At 89 years old, Mingus has built her life around the game. She credits baseball with keeping her active and energized through the years.
“I’m convinced that the reason I am the way I am now is because I never stop,” she explains. “It just keeps me moving, a reason to get up in the morning and get going.”
A dedicated Astros fan since 1991
Mingus has been a season ticket holder since 1991, and she hasn’t missed a beat since.
She attends every home game, rarely skipping a chance to cheer on her team.
“I used to travel, but I don’t do that anymore,” she says. “But all the home games, I’m there.”
Where it all began
Her love for baseball started early.
Mingus grew up around the game, inspired by her uncle, who pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“I just kind of grew up with baseball around me,” she recalls.
That early connection turned into a lifelong passion.
A home and identity built around the game
Today, her home is filled wall-to-wall with baseball memorabilia, signed balls, photos, and decades of memories.
At Minute Maid Park, she’s just as recognizable.
Mingus is known for her signature look: a blue rhinestone cowboy hat that’s become a symbol of her dedication.
But once the game begins, her focus is unwavering.
“I don’t usually talk to people during the game,” she says.
Why? Because she’s busy keeping score — meticulously tracking every play in her scorebook.
A Full-Circle Opening Day
This Opening Day carries special meaning.
Last season, Mingus arrived at the ballpark in a wheelchair.
This year, she’s the one pushing — helping a friend recovering from a stroke.
It’s a full-circle moment that reflects her resilience and spirit.
“Opening Day is always special because you’re starting off with a clean slate,” she says. “You just have such high hopes. It’s just special.”
Still Going Strong
With high hopes and even higher energy, Mingus is ready for another season.
She’ll turn 90 in November — and says she has no plans to slow down.
Instead, she’s looking forward to what she calls “another year of baseball and loving the Astros.”