As a Dad of 8 kids, I am always on the lookout for cool experiences. We recently had an experience that we will talk about past this life into the next.

The Houston Astros play just two hours away from our hometown. However, we do not make many games. Bringing an entire team (the FLC) to a professional baseball game can be expensive.

We have attend Astros' games in the past. But we actually prefer minor league games. Minor league games can give perspective players hope. They can see that if you are an elite high school or college player you could have a chance to reach the Biggs!

Yordan Alvarez Lucky Charm

Yordan Alvarez First Astros Game

The FLC seems to be Yordan Alvarez's lucky charm. On our way back from a baseball tournament we decided to stop in and see a regular season Astros game in 2019.

The crowd was thin. The team still recovering from the cheating episodes of the past. We sat behind the dugout with a beautiful view of the field and stadium.

While watching the game and discussing MLB dreams with the boys this monster of a man comes up to bat.

It was Yordan Alvarez. It was his first AB as an Astro. He is 6'5" 225 pounds. Built more like a tight-end than a baseball player. My first thought is wow he is huge and if he hits, look out.

We were all taken back by his presence at the plate. We had no idea we were watching the birth of a super star.

In that game. Alvarez's first game he hit not one but two homeruns. He one into the third deck of minute maid stadium. He is the first Astro to hit a homerun into the third deck. Which the Astros commemorated with an orange seat (section 337, row 1, seat 18).

Alvarez made the game for us. Despite the price of beer, food, and tickets, to be there in that moment with my boys was priceless.

Alvarez ended that season becoming the youngest Cuban-born player to ever hit a home run in a World Series game after taking Nationals starter Joe Ross deep in Game 5. He was 22 years and 122 days old, beating out Jose Canseco who previously held the mark.

Alvarez was unanimously named the AL Rookie of the Year in 2019.

During the Astros' 2021 postseason run, Alvarez was named the American League Championship Series MVP for his performance against the Boston Red Sox.

2022 Game 1 ALDS

The kids had a fall break this October. We have not been able to get away as a family for a while. So we decided to get out of town for a few days. We headed down to Kemah Boardwalk and Kemah Boardwalk Inn. You can see and read about that experience here.

On our trip to Kemah we decided to make an Astros game. If you have ever been to and MLB game they can seem to get boring. However, a playoff game always seems to have a surprise or two.

The FLC is Yordan Alvarez's lucky charm because in this game he hit a 3 run walk off homerun.

We had already spend the budget on Kemah Boardwalk so we only had a few dollars to spend. I bought the cheap seats for two reasons.

1. I am cheap!

2. My Dad brought me to a Houston rockets playoff game when I was small. We sat at the top row. I could barley see the game but I will remember that experience forever.

During the 2022 ALDS game Astros vs Mariners we also sat at the very top row. The players looked like ants. We sat so high we could not even see the Jumbo Tron due to the buildings structure in the way.

James did not want to attend the game. He wanted to stay at the Kemah Boardwalk Inn with his Mom. I convinced him it would be worth his time. Also I had already bought the ticket.

I find it crazy that a 10 year old boy that plays baseball almost daily would not jump at the idea of going to a MLB playoff game. In the end I think it was the lure of the rides at Kemah Boardwalk that had his attention.

In the end James was having the time of his life. He cheered the loudest out of all of us. Not that from 1000 feet away the players could hear us.

The Moment Of magic and Memories

We endured the high cost of snacks and drinks. Sang in the 7th inning stretch and felt defeat as the Astros were down the entire game.

In the bottom of the ninth the Astros had 2 guys on base. I was standing next to Maliyah (which was her first MLB game) and James to my other side.

Next to James was AJ then Kohl on the end. The next guy up to bat was no other than Yordan Alvarez. Kohl leaned into AJ and said, "AJ we could win Alvarez hits bombs!" I turned to Maliyah and said, "Wouldn't it be amazing if your first MLB game, a playoff game, ended in a walk off?" She nodded in agreement.

It was only a few breaths later that Alvarez hit a rocket into the right field stands. It was as if a bomb went off. The entire stadium exploded in cheers. People were screaming, crying, high-fiving.

It was truly a magical moment. As a Dad I am eternally grateful that we got to experience that moment together. Long after I am gone my kids will reminisce on this amazing experience. In 100 years of baseball that event we witnessed only has happened 48 times.