Last Sunday was the first Dog Day at Minute Maid Park. This is when you can take your dog to an Astros game.
The day starts with the Pooch Parade around the field. Here are all my girls in front of the Astros dugout. Claire's stuffed animal of choice was, of course, a dog.
In the dugout I found former Astros pitcher and current television color analyst
Jim Deshaies. He was kind enough to turn for his picture. In addition to receiving one vote for the Hall of Fame, Jim set the modern major league record by striking out the
first eight batters in a game.
Next I found San Diego Padres closer
Heath Bell. Um, that's him on the right, without the leash. (That is not our dog.)
And finally, former Astro
Chad Qualls. He was one of the pitching heroes for the 2005 National League Champion Astros.
Now we're around to the outfield. The fellow in the red shirt in the background was there to keep everyone off the grass. Major League teams are very picky about their fields. The Astros raked the entire warning track after the parade to smooth it out - and pick up any poop!
Claire took some time off from the game to enjoy the play area. Here you race the big runner to home plate.
A between inning break for the only two in our family who were actually watching the game.
Claire back to the play area joining the crowd reaching for a home run ball.
And since it was Sunday, it was also Kids Run The Bases after the game. Here Emma and Claire take off from first -
Heading for third on their way home -
