Houston Astros: Powerful story from 2017 results in ESPY victory

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 01: The Houston Astros celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game seven to win the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) /

Several teams enjoyed historic seasons throughout the past year. But only the Houston Astros earned the title as best team of 2017. After the devastation the city endured, it’s a fitting award for the club.

The Golden State Warriors are in the midst of a dynastic run. The Philadelphia Eagles vanquished a seemingly unbeatable foe to claim a Super Bowl. But neither wielded an emotional story like the Houston Astros.

Houston played for the population of a city ravaged by fierce winds and uncontrollable weather. And in the process, the Astros captured the franchise’s first title.

It’s unsurprising, considering how powerful the narrative was. Star athletes in the state, like J.J. Watt, did what they could to unite the people together in a trying time.

Moreover, sports in general help gather attention and a rallying point for fans across the state. Hence, Houston had the gravitas in its story to induce the voting board.

And it was essentially one game away from being remembered as nothing but a valiant effort.

Two evenly-matched teams squared off in a grueling seven-game series. Extra innings, comebacks and tit-for-tat bouts exemplified what happened across the two weeks.

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Ultimately, it might be one of the greatest years in the city’s history. Had the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, they would be in line to claim the title.

But until another Houston team enjoys a dominant season like the Astros did in 2017, A.J. Hinch and company will remain on top. The club enjoyed several feats across the entire year.

Of course, Astros fans will remember the lone World Series visit Houston had prior to last year. It resulted in a brutal 4-0 sweep at the hands of Paul Konerko and his Chicago White Sox.

Since then, general manager Jeff Luhnow shifted the franchise’s focus toward a rebuild. The decision attracted criticism from analysts and experts.

Yet, as Sports Illustrated predicted, the strategy paid off handsomely. Hence, it’s not a surprise that owners, such as Derek Jeter, are advocating this tactic. Teams want to mimic what happened over just a handful of years.

And as Houston followers may realize, the Astros could seize their second-straight World Series title. If they did, it’s unsure whether they would claim the ESPY for best team.

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Nevertheless, it would arguably be the beginning of a dynasty within the MLB, one the AL hasn’t seen since the Yankees between 1996 and 2000.

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