The Astros returned to play at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Saturday for the first time since the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.
Houston mayor Sylvester Turner threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Astros hosted the New York Mets in the first game of a doubleheader.
“The Astros asked me whether or not they should play this weekend. What I told them was ‘We are not going to engage in a pity party,’” Turner told media just prior to the game. “We recognize we’ve been through a major storm, but we can do more than one thing at a time. Quite frankly, after the week we have gone through, people need something to cheer for.”
The Astros debuted a new ‘Houston Strong’ logo on Saturday that will be worn on their uniforms.
“We wear this patch on our jersey the rest of the year to represent you,” said manager A.J. Hinch in a speech to fans. “So stay strong, be strong. We appreciate every one of you.”
The Astros, who acquired right-hander Justin Verlander this week, own the the best record in the American League at 80-53.
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