HOUSTON — Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon threw out the first pitch of the World Series Game 6 between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals.
Hakeem Olajuwon zinged the ceremonial first pitch to fellow Houston Rockets legend and Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler. But it wasn’t exactly a dream throw, landing a bit outside where Drexler, who played high school baseball, tried to scoop it.
Drexler has been an Astros fan as long as he can remember. Growing up in Houston, he would ride his bicycle to games at the Astrodome and nab 50 cent tickets in center field. He said he caught home run balls from a bunch of stars, including Willie Mays and Bobby Bonds.
Drexler then revved up the crowd just before first pitch by yelling: “Play ball.”
Drexler might be a good luck charm for the Astros. He threw out the first pitch in the ALCS Game 6 and the 'Stros went on to beat the Yankees 6-4.
Olajuwon became an Astros fan after moving to Houston to play for the Houston Cougars and then help the Rockets win back-to-back titles in 1994-95.
National Anthem
During Tuesday’s pregame, the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard presented our nation’s colors before Country Music Legend Clay Walker performed the National Anthem.
Walker, outfitted in a 10-gallon hat, performed the national anthem before Game 6. The predominantly orange-clad crowd waved towels of the same color and cheered loudly as game time approached.
All fans at the game will receive an Astros postseason Rally Towel.
The Astros are asking local businesses, schools, community leaders, organizations and Astros fans to Orange Out Houston by wearing orange clothing and decking out their buildings in orange. Astros fans are encouraged to post photos of what they are doing to Orange Out Houston with the hashtag #TakeItBack.
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