Astros: What Opening Day Means for Astros Nation

Apr 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Fans watch fireworks at Minute Maid Park after the Houston Astros defeated the Detroit Tigers 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Fans watch fireworks at Minute Maid Park after the Houston Astros defeated the Detroit Tigers 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2016 left a bitter taste in the mouths of Astros fans.

Astros fans have watched as our team struggled to make the playoffs, and see the promises made from their 2015 season dashed. 2017 is a chance to bring home what fans most want, a championship, and it starts with Opening Day.

It’s been a Long Time Coming

Opening Day is here! Tonight, the Astros will embark on a campaign to make history for the Astros Organization. In 1962, this franchise began. The team went through many eras, from the 1980s and winning their first divisional title, the 1990s when we were introduced to the Killer Bees, and the early 2000s when the Astros won their first NL pennant.

We also went through the darker times of the three straight 100+ loss seasons. All in all, the time is now to transcend the trend and take the leap from a generational contender to champion.

What today means for the Players

Although my experience or abilities do not quite reflect those of the Astros players, the emotions you face may be very similar. The first game of our season was a debut. The stage was set for you to show everyone what this season will be.

It’s quite amazing how much one game can speak for your season, but it definitely can. Tonight’s game will be the culmination of a season that wasn’t, an off-season that consisted of high-profile additions, rebounding players and the phrase “Earn It” to be designated for the season’s mantra. A win tonight tells the fans, the league and anyone else who is watching that they are ready to earn respect and glory that comes with being a champion.

What today means for the Fans

Today is a celebration. The wait is over, and the Astros take the field tonight to begin what should be a great season. We will write about it, tweet about it and talk about it. Most importantly, we will be about it. Tonight is the night when every Astros fan watches the game, listens to the game or go to the game.

Next: Astros’ Carlos Beltran Brings His Bat And His Experience Back To Town

We want to see a quality start, web gem plays and big time hits. Most of all, we want to see victory. We want to see the big smiles, the high energy and the fun which this team brings to us.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference**

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