As you prepare to watch for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series tonight, take a few minutes to review the previous posts set forth below that chronicle the Stros’ improbable and highly enjoyable run to the club’s first World Series:
The first off-season moves, including the logic behind letting Jeff Kent go;
After nine years, Stros General Manager Gerry Hunsiker resigns and Mickey Herskowitz provides historical perspective on the Stros’ GM’s;
The Stros lose out on Carlos Beltran and why they were wise to let him go;
New Stros GM Tim Purpura’s first big challenge;
The Stros re-sign the remarkable Roy O to a new contract;
Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus dumps on the Stros at the beginning of spring training;
The Stros re-sign their main raker, Lance Berkman;
2005 Stros Season Preview — I go against the grain and predict that the Stros will contend for a playoff spot;
As of May 1st, things are about as expected as the Stros wait for Berkman to return;
Ten days later, things are not looking good;
A week later, things look even worse as Bags opts for shoulder surgery;
By the end of May, glimmers of hope because of the remarkable Rocket;
By mid-June, the Stros are streaking;
What a difference a year makes — checking in with the Stros at the halfway point;
By late July, the Stros are hanging in and finishing off another impressive streak;
Morgan Ensberg’s remarkable season, why Willy Taveras should not be Rookie of the Year, and Mike Lamb’s tough season;
Even as late as September 5th, it’s not looking good for the Stros’ playoff chances, but Bidg changes the momentum with one mighty yak in Philadelphia;
Remembering former Stros owner, the late John McMullen;
The Stros enter the stretch run, close in and then Whew!
Stros and White Sox are cost-effective winners;
Stros beat the Braves in the NLDS after the longest playoff game in history;
It’s not easy being a Stros fan and Houston’s legacy of sports disasters;
The cultural aspects of baseball in Chicago;
and, last, but not least the
Batter up!
Update: There is no joy in Mudville, but it was one heckuva ride!