How a college coach helped Evan Gattis to World Series

LOS ANGELES – The Houston Astros are on the verge of winning the first World Series championship in franchise history. It would mean a lot to the players, their families, the city of Houston and those who have helped the players along the way.

“It’s surreal," University of Texas coach Brian Reinke said. "There’s a lot of chills that go on every time we think about it or talk about it. It’s a pretty amazing thing.”

A former baseball player for Reinke's team, Evan Gattis, is one game away from becoming a World Series champion.

As the head coach at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, he took a chance on Gattis just before his MLB career and before he was with the Houston Astros.

“He was the best guy we had. He was an outstanding individual on and off the field for us,” Reinke said.

Reinke attended the intense 10-inning Game 5 on Sunday and met with Gattis after the celebration. A special moment was captured on cellphone video as the two hugged and talked for a few minutes.

“How was he feeling after that game? Pumped," Reinke said. "Those guys after those games. It’s hard for them to go to sleep, I’m sure. Very excited.”

His former coach hopes that excitement and momentum lead to a World Series title and a spot in history.

Reinke, who has been at  has been at the University of Texas for 13 years, said a World Series title would mean a lot to him and his baseball organization.

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Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.

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