Columbia recognised by the Houston Astros

[Texane]

Feb. 24, 2003, 10:52PM
Astros to wear patches honoring Columbia crew
By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

Astros owner Drayton McLane, who takes pride in his team's ties to NASA, shared Houston's sadness after the space shuttle Columbia tragedy. Now, the Astros have received permission from NASA and the families of the shuttle's crew to honor the mission by wearing the Columbia mission patch on the team's uniforms during the 2003 season.

"We are honored to receive permission for our team to wear the mission patch from the space shuttle Columbia during the 2003 season," McLane said. "The astronauts on this mission are true American heroes, and we are deeply grateful to be afforded the opportunity to pay tribute to these incredible people. "The name Astros reflects the courage and determination of those involved with our space program, and we are proud of our association."

The Astros will hold a special ceremony to honor the crew and their families prior to the season opener April 1 against the Colorado Rockies. "I think we should dedicate our season to the astronauts," pitcher Octavio Dotel said. "They deserve that and more. NASA provides tremendous value to the country, and we need to show support. We had a sad tragedy in this case, but the missions should continue." The link between the Astros and the space program dates to the 1960s, when the then-Colt .45s changed their name to Astros and began playing in the Astrodome. As part of the opening ceremonies of the Astrodome in 1965, 24 astronauts threw ceremonial first pitches. The Astros have held a NASA Day each season since moving from the Dome to Minute Maid Park.

"I had talked to the commissioner about a week or so ago, and he had no problem with the patch," McLane said. "This is who we are, ever since we became the Astros in 1965. Many of the astronauts are big fans and come out to our games. "We wanted to show our respects and deep admiration for them."

and as a nation mourns with Israel and India for the loss of our heros, it is good to remember that they were, and are, just that: our heros.