#1 - Geography does not make a rivalry, division races and playoff matchups do. We've been playing them 6 times a year for 12 seasons. #2 - It's Arlington #3 - Of course a rivarly will probably develop, but they ignored the fact that rivalries already existed for the Astros.
Judging by what I saw in the stands and pre game yesterday in the ballpark, I'd say it's already a rivalry.
Now I know who to hold responsible for Crane needing $10M from us. Edit: I admit, I dislike the Rangers, where I used not care, but only because they supported the move.
Agreed. The atmosphere was... dare I say it: playoff-like. There was definitely a charge. Geography can't make a rivalry - but it can absolutely enhance it. Being able to easily invade enemy turf is an underrated aspect of developing hatred. Being witness to Johnny-come lately Ranger fans last night made my skin crawl. Also: Dallas, as always and forever, sucks.
I'm with this entirely. The atmosphere felt like a playoff game for sure. I look forward to wearing an obnoxious orange Astros hat to Arlington for a game and a slight heatstroke someday soon.
Dude i went to the first game last of the series last year at MMP... hands down the most intense/lively stros game i've been to since the perrenial playoffs years. i've grown up on the Astros but this rivalry, to me at least, will easily surpass anything we ever had w any of the other "rivalries" we've held in the past. traditionalists can claim that the cards or cubs or braves or dodgers were true astros rivalries but let's be honest, save for a few truly competitive years none of those teams gave a damn about us. arlington, dallas, plano, whatever... it's southern oklahoma and i always want to beat them.
It was good to go to my first opening day game...lots of Ranger fans and overall a great atmosphere...Was able to get a BP ball for my son which was pretty cool...I don't see the Rangers/Astros rivalry as a true rivalry, but give it time and I can see it... Suck won't be able to watch any Games
If the Astros can get some consistent pitching, they could win a fair share of their games. (Yes I realize that is a lot to ask.)
its bigger than astros vs rangers.. smh its Houston vs Dallas.. thats enough to start a rivalry.. stop trying to fight it, you guys are so set in your ways..
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This "Rivalry" is being pushed. Like many said, it will happen eventually, but it takes something....some kind of situation. Whether it be competition...a series of playoff runs...etc. As for the playoff atmosphere, it was the first game for the Houston Astros as an American League team, not to mention opening night, it's going to feel that way. I hope I'm wrong and I hope a true rivalry builds between us, by some sort of action, but I'm tired of hearing like this rivalry has been going on. We just play in the same State. NBA - Dallas/Rockets, the playoff series', that's what created a rivalry. It will take some time, but all in all I hope a true rivalry does develop, and I can't wait for that day to come.
Dallas was so meaningless before 2005. We'd have certainly ranked the Spurs/Jazz/Lakers/Sonics ahead of them.
As for the game, woooooo. Opening night is something amazing. I can't express how happy I am for this team. When you tell a team how bad they're going to be...how big of a joke they'll be...how certain players make money than you're entire team, it can create a storm for that first game, and boy did it ever. Rick's home run was something else....I don't think I've jumped that high in a while, screaming "Get out get out!" Also as someone mentioned, Bud did a wonderful job obviously, but the most impressive part to me was KEEPING THE BALL IN THE PARK. He didn't allow the 2 or 3 run homer that breaks a game open, he didn't make that one mistake. Also, Jmax, not enough can be said about him in the field and at the plate. He looked patient, and waited to get ahead of the count for his pitch. Sorry, opening day always brings out me babbling on and on. Love that we did it to our own division, and boy do I love how we did it on national television as the only game on TV.
