OKLAHOMA CITY -
Are the Astros
moving the Oklahoma City RedHawks' out of Bricktown, and relocating them to
Texas? Houston Astros owner, Jim Crane says he's considering the idea. And the
possibility already has RedHawks' fans upset.
According to a Houston
Chronicle blog, Crane says he wants to "streamline" their minor
league operations. So now, they're taking a closer look at all the clubs
properties, including OKC's.
"That would not be
good because we enjoyed it, man. I hope that doesn't happen," said RedHawks'
fan, Bryan Baguley.
Baguley and his
son are huge baseball fans and try to make it to RedHawks' games as often as
they can.
"I'm originally
from California and I grew up on Angels and Dodgers baseball games. But coming
over here, it was absolutely fabulous," said Baguley.
"I actually just
moved here, so I was planning on going to a lot of games and that was a big
selling point for me coming here, for me to just walk down and go see some
games," said Bricktown resident, Bryan Chance.
That could soon change,
at least for a while. The Houston Chronicle reports the rebuilding Astros want
to increase revenue streams that can be funneled into the major-league team.
Crane says the hope is to improve the organization's brand recognition in
Texas.
"They can't move
them there. You've got to keep them here," said Chance.
But, Crane says
the Astros have lost ground in the state to the Texas Rangers.
"That would be the
biggest mistake if he ever did that," said Baguley.
There is time
though before a decision will be made. The Astros just signed a two-year deal
last September with the RedHawks', run by Mandalay Sports Entertainment. Meanwhile,
Crane says they're going to try and come up with the best solution that would
be better for them, long term.
"If they pretty
much did leave, then it would kind of suck, because they are really good," said
Baguley's son.
Crane also told
the Houston Chronicle, moving the team to Texas could give the Astros their best
class AAA set up since leaving Round Rock, near Austin.
The RedHawks'
president and general manager has been quoted as saying the team may look at
the possibility of ending its affiliation with the Astros.
Of course, News 9
will keep you posted.
According to a Houston Chronicle blog, Astros Owner Jim Crane says he wants to "streamline" their minor league operations. So now, they're taking a closer look at all the clubs properties, including OKC's.
