An astronaut’s perspective on Astros’ City Connect Jersey

The “Space City” appellation for Houston has a deeper meaning to the Astros and the city it represents.

With a week passing, the Houston Astros‘ Nike City Connect Jerseys have been a hot commodity to fans. The rich tradition and thought into the “Space City” title drew eyes to what Houston is known for on a governmental level.

"“We have the moniker of being the space city,” retired NASA astronaut Tim Kopra told Climbing Tal’s Hill. “Houston is such a great community that they’re recognizing the important part that space has played both for Houston and then our national prominence.”"

Human spaceflight advancement is also rooted in Houston with sports teams, like the Astros and the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, branding theirselves on the tradition of the city they call home. Kopra, a native of Austin, calls Houston home, too, as he’s seen the advancement of space exploration and the city at a parallel.

"“I think it’s a great testament to the history of our city,” Kopra said. “Because the human spaceflight program for the United States began in Houston, and now we’ve watched it continue to grow.“When you look at the amount of esprit de corps and enthusiasm that that Astros bring to the town, and the excitement that is in the whole nation when it comes to human spaceflight, I think both are a great ambassador for our city.”"

Kopra also mentioned how both government and commercial space flight are expanding exploration, keeping the advancement of space flight alive in Houston.

Astros Orbit:

Yordan Alvarez returned to the lineup Monday night, replacing Joe Perez on the active roster and Lance McCullers Jr. on the 40-man. Perez was optioned to Double-A Corpus Christi, while McCullers was placed on the 60-day injured list retroactive to the start of the season.