Geographist

Lance Berkman Born: February 10, 1976 Sport: Baseball (All-American, 6-time All-Star, World Series Champion) I'm in the process of getting another year older, and as part of my birthday celebrations I received a gift from my awesome mom that helped me decide who to write about this week.  As a lifelong Houston sports fan, I've had a few pieces of memorabilia that have found their way into my possession.  Like many kids, I started with baseball cards along with my brother, and we'd spend lots of time comparing and swapping cards we'd found, purchased, or traded for.  As time went on and we started attending games now and again, we would pick up collectables or give-away trinkets at games.  Bobbleheads, signed player pictures, jerseys, and even a World Series replica ring have found their way into my house.  And today, a new piece of Houston history found a new home at my address - a Lance Berkman signed baseball.  So let's take this week to find out more abo...

Dizzy Dean Born: January 16, 1910 Sport: Baseball (4-time All-Star, MVP, World Series Champion, Hall of Fame) Before Houston became the home of a major league baseball team, the city played host to some interesting and talented players on their way to becoming stars.  The first record of America's pastime being played in Houston was in 1867, when a field was set up on the grounds of San Jacinto (where Texas fought their decisive battle for independence against the Mexican army) and the Houston Stonewalls defeated the Galveston Robert E. Lees 35-2.  By 1888 an entire league had been set up, based in Houston, and the most famous the various teams to call the city home was the Houston Buffaloes.  This week we'll take a minute to look at the brief time that a future Hall of Fame pitcher called our fair city home, as well as the rest of the story of Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean. Houston's Buffalo Stadium, near downtown Born in western Arkansas in 1910, young Jay supposedly o...

Roger Clemens Born: August 4, 1962 Sport: Baseball (2-time All-American, CWS Champion, 11-time All-Star, 7-time Cy Young, MVP, 2-time World Series Champion)  With numerous sporting events going on this weekend I thought we'd turn our focus to what's happening on the college scene.  Each year the top baseball teams from universities across the country converge on Omaha, NE, for the College World Series.  Lots of kids who have impacted the Houston sports landscape have competed in this tournament over the years.  One in particular left his mark in a major way, winning the title in college before leading the local nine to the biggest stage for the first time.  In addition, since today is Father's Day, I thought it would be fun to put the spotlight on someone who not only played for the Astros but also was the dad of a player who was drafted by the club and another who just found himself on the receiving end of a Houston sweep.  Let's find out more about The Ro...

Cat Osterman Born: April 16, 1983 Sport: Softball (136-25 college record, 95-24 pro record, 4-time Big 12 Player of the Year, 4-time All American, 6-time All-Star, 3-time Olympic medalist - Gold in 2004, Silver in 2008, Silver in 2020, Hall of Fame) This week marked the end of the NCAA Women's Softball season, and for the first time in their history the University of Texas was crowned National Champions after defeating Texas Tech.  I was actually surprised that this was their first title, as they've fielded some impressive teams over the years.  One of their school's greatest players, in fact, pitched several times against my own school while I was attending.  In recognition of her contribution to the Longhorns program and their new championship hardware, this week we will turn the spotlight to Houston's own Cat Osterman, one of the most storied pitchers in the history of women's softball. Cypress Springs High School, home of Cat Osterman from 1997-2001 Born Catheri...

Gordie Howe Born: March 31, 1928 Sport: Hockey (4-time Stanley Cup Champion, 23-time All-Star, 6-time MVP, 6-time top scorer, Hall of Fame) This week will see the start of a championship series for two different sports leagues - the NBA and NHL.  While Houston has a storied basketball history, which we've already discussed with several of our previous posts, our connection with hockey is a bit less-known.  But in what may come as a surprise to casual visitors to a city known better for its hot-and-humid summers than its prowess on ice, we can boast a strong connection to one of the greatest players to ever strap on skates.  Originally hailing from Canada, the man who became known as "Mister Hockey" came to Space City for a significant period of time and legitimized the sport to local fans, many of whom had relocated to Houston from northern cities and who were excited to see the game played at the very highest level.  Today, in advance of the Stanley Cup Finals dropp...