Own the Astros for just $800 Million!!!

Move over, Clint Barmes. You’re no longer the biggest story in Houston. Today, team owner Drayton McLane announced he’s put the team up for sale. The reported sales price is in the $800 million area. Not a bad payoff. Especially when you consider McLane bought the team for $117 million back in 1993 (Just under a 700% return). Also revealed were two times in the recent past when the team was very nearly sold; once after the 2008 season and again in January earlier this year. Obviously both fell through. The McLane family has state they’re in no rush to pull the trigger on a sale.

In McLane’s time as owner, the Astros have made the playoffs 6 times, including the franchise’s first and only World Series in 2005. He also helped get the team a new ballpark in 2000 when the Astros began calling Minute Maid Park home. It remains one of the more unique stadiums in baseball. Unfortunately, Houston has experienced a few down years, failing to make the playoffs since their World Series year. Houston fans will have to get used to the idea their team may have a new owner for their 50^th season since starting as the Colt .45s in 1962