Houston Celebrates Astros With World Series Parade

Congratulations to the Houston Astros! This team has battled through devastating losses, injuries, the struggles of rebuilding, and heartbreaking playoff misses, not to mention surviving a storm that would put their city under water with catastrophic flooding of epic proportions. Hurricane Harvey brought Houston to its knees on August 26, 2017, leaving millions displaced, including the Astros and Houston Texans. It was the second-most costly natural disaster in the world, but wasn't enough to keep the spirit of Texas down.

The Astros have given their city a new sense of hope, pride, and vindication with its first MLB championship. Their road to win the 2017 World Series was quite incredible, and had plenty of ups and downs along the way. Harvey's devastation was widespread and crippled the entire Eastern and SE portions of Texas. However, in August, the Astros were only midway through their regular season, so they had to find a field. Just in time for a 3-game series against Texas Rangers, the 'Stros relocated to Tropicana Field in Florida. They would take a "W" in the series, going 12-7. By June, they had a 13.5 game lead over every team in their division, and an impressive 41–16 record. This would be a franchise first in their 55 year history.

In July, the 'Stros walked away from  All-Stars with a league overall best of 60–29, and a 16 game lead in their division. Ironically, they beat the Dodgers by one game, to clinch the league's top team status. Despite devastating injuries to vet pitchers Tony Sipp, Tyler Clippard, and Collin McHugh, the team was able to rally forward. The Astros marched into September with 92 wins. Justin Verlander was nothing short of amazing! He led his team to win its first AL West Title by striking out ten batters in seven innings to clinch the division.

They beat the Red Sox 3-1 in the playoffs, and wrapped up the season 101-61. This was the first time they ended a season with stats like these since 1998. In October, they advanced to the American League Championship Series to face the Yankees. After the 'Stros put New York away four games to three, they were one team away from winning their first World Series: the L.A. Dodgers. Wearing the #HoustonStrong patch on their uniforms, the Astros were playing for much more than a title. They were playing for their city!

The 'Stros couldn't be stopped, and defeated the Dodgers four games out of three in game 7 (5-1.) They did it! The Houston Astros are officially the 2017 World Series Champions! To top it off, Carlos Correa proposed to his girlfriend after the BIG game! It doesn't get any better than that.

According to the Chron, the City of Houston is gearing up for a huge celebration tomorrow (Friday November 3, 2017.) Mayor Sylvester Turner and a host of city officials will join Astros owner Jim Crane, manager A.J. Hinch, and Orbit, the team mascot, for a monumental celebration in downtown Houston.

Similar to way the Saints won the Super Bowl for New Orleans, the Astros win was just what Houston needed. The city is alive with excitement. Mayor Turner said at Thursday's press conference, "Let's have the largest championship parade that's ever been seen in the state of Texas. Let's show up in a major way."

The World Series champions will be honored with their own parade, beginning at 2 p.m. City officials will close streets to traffic in downtown, beginning at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.

The parade route is as follows:

Begins on Smith at Lamar, proceed north on Smith, turn east onto Walker, then south on Milam, go west on Pease, turn north on Smith and end on Lamar St. The celebration continues at City Hall.

Mindful of this weeks deadly terror attack in Manhattan, Houston Police Chief, Art Acevedo, said security is going to be extremely thick. Safety is always a concern. With the magnitude of people turning out for this event, he is asking for patience, and that attendees avoid bringing big backpacks. He said, "It only takes one fool to turn this around." Chief Acevedo added that everyone should be vigilant and, "Treat the entire parade route like you would security at the airport."

For more details about the Astros World Series Celebration in Houston, click here.

CONGRATS HOUSTON, AND THE HOUSTON ASTROS!