HOUSTON — The Rockets didn’t get the win in Monday’s home loss to the Clippers at Toyota Center, but they did get a reminder of the potential benefits of a successful franchise rebuilding plan.
The Houston Astros, who recently won Major League Baseball’s World Series for a second time (2017, 2022), had owner Jim Crane, shortstop Jeremy Pena and reserve infielder David Hensley in attendance at Monday’s Rockets game.
Pena, the Most Valuable Player of the 2022 World Series, was an enormous hit when shown on the big screen and when he tossed autographs into the crowd.
Pena, who wore a throwback Rockets jacket with an older logo, didn’t get to see the win from the local NBA team that he had hoped for. But as he acknowledged in his TV interview, Pena, his teammates and sports fans across Houston have enough to celebrate, as it is.
Here’s a look at how it sounded and looked Monday.
Photos and Videos
“That’s like me back in my day” @Jpena221 & @david__hensley reacting to @kj__martin’s slam is pure gold 😂 pic.twitter.com/KrZkOtithI
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 15, 2022
Look who’s courtside tonight at #Rockets & #Clippers:
World Series MVP @Jpena221 & Games 3 & 5 starting DH @david__hensley pic.twitter.com/4K3NTRILNw
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) November 15, 2022
Great ovation by #Rockets fans for David Hensley and World Series MVP Jeremy Pena! #Astros pic.twitter.com/HJhSeJFPSd
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) November 15, 2022
🤘 World Series MVP Jeremy Peña and fellow champion David Hensley of the Houston Astros toss out some autographed balls at the @HoustonRockets game! pic.twitter.com/KG0QyB0W4f
— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2022
Thanks for coming out, @david__hensley & @Jpena221! pic.twitter.com/rffeonk89F
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 15, 2022
Jim Crane is also courtside tonight
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 15, 2022
Looks like Astros owner Jim Crane is leaving Toyota Center early as well. Rockets down 112-91 with 5 minutes left.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) November 15, 2022
