Being an Astros fan has always been a tough row to hoe. We love our team and we've watched them lose in every conceivable way over the years. They have always sucked but they couldn't even get a reputation as lovable losers; they have been plain, old losers.

That changed in 2005 as the boys finally pulled it out and won the National League Pennant. I've been waiting for this for over twenty-five years. Victory was sweet. Sissy was just as freaked out. She flew in from San Francisco and, Jubie and Carole in tow, we headed to Astros Field hoping for a miracle.

Of course, the Astros imploded in the World Series. All four games were close but even I have to admit that it was ugly. It is just like the baseball gods to let us get so close to our childhood dreams only to rip them from our clutches and let some jerks from Chicago run off with them.

That said, it was still the greatest season in franchise history. After a sluggish start, we played inspired ball. We clinched a playoff spot by beating the nefarious Cubs on the final day of the season. We dispatched the Braves and the evil Cardinals. As Bum Phillips once said, "This year we beat on the door. Next year we're going to kick the son of a bitch in."