Houston Astros: Fans find creative holiday gifts for each other

It’s still the holiday season in the United States, which means gifts are even being divvied out to friends and family. Many Houston Astros fans shared what they received on social media, sparking some intrigue.

For Houston Astros fans, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas may be over, but the holidays are not, as Houston fans from the around the world are still celebrating the organization’s first-ever World Series championship.

They will continue until the Texas team is dethroned, whether it be next year or in years to come.

Baseball fans displayed their newest presents on social media, expressing their joy and love of their favorite club. And Houston fans especially got creative with what they doled out to their friends and loved ones.

Classic jerseys of a person’s favorite player or a bobblehead for that person’s cubicle used to be the go-to options in the winter.

But now that the Astros have their championship, framed articles and shirts hang on the walls of several houses.

Foam fingers and sweatshirts, as well as other memorabilia, sat within boxes waiting to be opened. And people of all ages ripped them up with excitement, resembling the child in everyone’s heart.

It seems that a large percentage of Astros fans received what they wanted for the holidays. And of course, what they’ll want next year is World Series No. 2.

That wish may not be so farfetched, as Houston enters next season with much of the same roster as it had last season.

Hence, the Astros could still be deemed World Series favorites, even with the Yankees and Indians not far behind.

Nevertheless, there were a few presents that stood out just a tad more than others, whether it be for sentimental reasons or pure awesomeness.

Of the tons and tons of photos exhibiting fanatical accessories and impressive arrangements, a handful was stirring.

Here are a few of those that may have turned a few heads.

Framed Articles

Nothing cements a historic feat like a group of newspaper articles explaining in detail how the events occurred.

Although digital media has surpassed print as the most convenient source of news, the aura of authenticity lives in the black ink that covers a front page of a local newspaper.

The Houston Chronicle gave fans a beautiful sight to see with several articles including the final few days of the season.

From the dog pile to the parade in the hometown, every moment was a magical ride that Astros fans never experienced before.

Surely many of the players have a similar mount sitting in their own houses somewhere.

The stories represent the history, and the narrative exemplifies all of the hard work each player went through to achieve success.

George Springer mashed against some of the best pitchers in the league, while the pitching staff held enough Dodgers players in check.

Now the question is where should the articles be displayed? A male fan could hide them in their room or man-cave to gaze at in solidarity.

Females may set them in the living room, where everyone can see them and witness their piece of history.

Several posts on Twitter showcased a lone article. Despite some cool frames that encased the papers, a collection or collage seems more fitting.

And it can probably save some money by purchasing just one large frame rather than some smaller ones.

Either way, it’s a classy gift that deserves some praise. Whether it is from an Astros fan or not, everyone has to admit it’s a necessity for a real baseball fanatic.

Maybe fans can add another collection in the coming years.

Engraved Necklace

This is for all of the Houston ladies out there, looking to receive more than a baseball cap or a delicate bracelet during the holidays.

While a person’s favorite baseball player may never know that their name is engraved on the locket, the dream may never die. Imagination is key. And a person’s liking to a particular player triumphs in the end.

A piece of memorabilia is special if it has meaning behind it. Following the tragic events that took place in Texas, the Houston sports team carried its fans through the tough times.

Even a small piece of jewelry can remind people of something special. For the person who received that gift, Alex Bregman is that something special.

This may not be the only precious piece with a player’s name carved into it. However, it was the only one that was noticeable via social media.

Bregman may be the next big thing in the Lone Star State. The third baseman made some phenomenal, critical plays to help keep the Astros alive in the playoffs.

He also posted an above-average sophomore campaign, sporting a .284 average with nearly 20 homers on the year.

He is just one of the many young stars still on the Houston roster. The 23-year-old is part of the future, along with Springer, Jose Altuve, and shortstop Carlos Correa.

It won’t be a surprise if all of those players’ wives or significant others possess necklaces or lockets with each player’s name on them. But for an average fan, it might be a rarity.

Nonetheless, if someone gifted something like this, especially for their significant other – they win.

DVD Collection

Relive each moment in your place of solitude. Cheer as if you were standing behind home plate watching Charlie Morton toss the final pitch of the series.

All of it is possible – from the comfort of your own home.

Unless fans boast a surround-sound system, they may not experience the atmosphere of a World Series Game 7.

Yet, with the DVD set, they are saving hundreds, maybe even thousands of greenbacks.

Astros fans may replay each of their favorite moments from last postseason, whether it be Altuve’s three-homer game against Boston or all of Springer’s home runs from the World Series.

Each memory is as priceless as the one before it. Furthermore, anyone can watch the recap over and over again, controlling an endless amount of Houston baseball scenes.

Though it may not be a Hollywood-made production with A-class actors portraying each player, it is more authentic. Plus, it can bring the family together, at least if they are all Astros fans.

Eight discs of nothing but baseball to slaver over. And many of the faces throughout the film will still look familiar in 2018, as Houston hasn’t had much turnover.

But the one thing it may not show is Altuve accepting the Players Choice Award for Outstanding Player.

Nevertheless, ogle as he and his teammates secure significant victories over arguably the next three best teams in the MLB from this past season.

By the end of the decade, the movie collection could become America’s next best trilogy.

Signed Baseball Bat

Imagine being able to swing with as much might as George Springer. Picture driving a home run from the eyes of 5-foot-6 Altuve.

Although not all of that is possible with a signed bat from the team, it can still be a dream come true. A handful of the team’s heroes signed it at some point, which is special. 

Several different bat colors were available apparently, as other people displayed their bats online, which were black and a different type of brown. But the original pine color looks the coolest – don’t @ me.

Much debate could be made about whether the players signed it or not. Technology can allow autographs to be mimicked entirely.

Thus, the originality of a baseball bat cannot be more authentic than catching players as they come onto the field before their games.

Nonetheless, the signatures surely are real, even if they weren’t acquired in real time. It’s not easy to obtain all of their signings in one day.

However, a bat with the signatures of all those players across time could also be something worth looking into.

Fans may argue that a ball is better suited for this type of gift. But then again, not every player could fit their entire name on a tiny ball. A bat allows this to be a possibility at least.

Of course, to complete the package, they could have added a ball to the mix as well.

Either way, the piece of lumber probably won’t be wielded by any baseball player anytime soon.

Actually, the lucky guy probably won’t ever use it.

Honorable Mention – Matryoshka Dolls

Baseball may be America’s pastime. But these Astros Matryoshka dolls should be a cultural phenomenon.

Any cosmopolite would agree that anyone can receive these dolls without any shame. Some may argue that they are even better than any of the other previous gifts.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

What looks most impressive is the attention to detail. Their faces aren’t some photo-copied creation slapped onto a piece of porcelain.

Someone committed an immense amount of time crafting them, and with much skill.

One of the evident observations is that Altuve is the tallest of the three in the picture – irony at its finest.

The second baseman’s size doesn’t correlate with his talent on the field, as everyone knows by now. 

And Springer is arguably his second in command, based on the remarkable performance he put into each World Series matchup.

The outfielder is still young-ish, looking to become a multiple-time All-Star.

Then there’s the middle-field maestro in Correa, who has proved his ability at the plate is comparable to what he does in the field.

Many consider him a franchise player, but he’s already accustomed to being an Astros star.

Next: Houston Mount Rushmore

Each of the three means as much to the team as manager A.J. Hinch. And if this person ever makes a fourth doll, Hinch should be in consideration for it.

Happy Holidays!