Astros carry Harvey-ravaged Houston hopes in World Series

Los Angeles (AFP) – Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch says his team is carrying the hopes of their hurricane-ravaged city as they open their World Series campaign against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.

The Texan outfit have been installed as the sentimental favorites for the best-of-seven series just two months after Hurricane Harvey deluged the region with record flooding that left more than 80 dead.

Add in the fact that several members of the Astros cosmopolitan roster were affected by subsequent storms in Puerto Rico and elsewhere, and it is easy to see why the Astros have acquired the look of men on a mission.

“Anytime you’re on the national stage you play for your city,” Hinch told reporters here Monday. 

“I think when something like the hurricane happens, there’s an even greater responsibility to represent your city and bring awareness to the things that are needed to rebuild our great city.

“On top of that we have a lot of players that were affected by a couple of hurricanes after that, in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, just the international component of our team.”

The series of disasters had weighed heavily on the Astros roster, Hinch added, while at the same time acting as a galvanising force.

The team were forced to play some home games in Florida as Harvey wrought its destruction.

“We played with a heavy heart for a long time because of what has happened to a lot of our families,” Hinch said.

“When we got back from Hurricane Harvey from being relocated, that sense of urgency came from wanting to do so something special for our city. There was a lot of positive momentum back towards our team. But we could feel how important the Astros became to the City of Houston and the residents.

“The time has passed but the recovery is going to take a lot longer. What does the World Series do to that city? Obviously it gives some hope. It gives appreciation. It gives a smile or two for people going through some hard times. And for that we’re happy to be a part of it.”