On display today is Mark Bohn (@nitetimeguy). Incidentally, today is Mark's 40th Birthday! So go flood his twitter timeline with birthday wishes and topless photos of Brad Ausmus. Tell him that Terri sent you. :)
Here we go -
1. When did you become an Astros fan?
I'm a native Houstonian. I remember my dad taking me to games at the dome as I was growing up. I'm fortunate enough to still be able to go to games with him. So, it's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but my love for the team has grown more over the past 15 years or so of my life.
2. What part of the County do you hail from currently?
Houston,TX
3. Who is your all-time favorite Astros player?
Craig Biggio
4.) Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
Crunchy. Although, we have a 5 1/2 year old girl in the house who won't touch crunchy, so we have both in the pantry. (note from Terri: Smart girl!)
5. Who is your favorite current Astros player and why?
My favorite current Astro is Brett Wallace. I think it stems from the fact that he was part of the Roy Oswalt trade (via Toronto). Obviously, the writing was on the wall as far as what the Astros were going to do in regards to rebuilding. I remember thinking, well, if we are going to trade off our vets, then I really want the guys we get back to succeed. I don't know what the future holds for him here, it's hard to see him fitting in long term, but I admire the way he's come back from that horrific start in April.
6. If you could have any role in the organization (field or front office) what would it be?
I think where the Astros have failed recently has been in interaction with the fans and community in general. I think there needs to be a role of educator, marketer, and overall good person who can intelligently, logically, and passionately promote the Astros plan. Maybe that's Reid Ryan's job, but the only person in the organization who can adequately explain the plan for the Astros is Luhnow. There should be a lot more excitement about the future of the team, something is missing on how that's being communicated to the fans. Reid Ryan is a huge step in the right direction.
7. Best Astros memory?
Best memory is probably game 5 of '04 NLCS. I got 4 seats in the lower level and was planning on taking my dad, fiancée, and cousin to the game. For some reason, my dad decided not to go (I still don't know why) and my mom said she wanted to go. My mom's not even a moderate fan, but maybe she just saw it was a way to experience something fun and memorable with her son, future wife, and nephew. Regardless, I was so glad she came.
Those two seasons ('04 and '05) were just so much fun. I remember thinking after Kent hit that homer, "I can't believe it! The Astros are going to go to the W.S." (obviously I was wrong and had to wait a year, I really thought we'd win one of those games in STL). When Kent hit that homer we all went nuts, hugging each other and jumping up and down. It was truly a great moment for me and my family to enjoy together.
8. Do you get CSN Houston (this is just my informal and unscientific poll)?
We do now. We switched to Xfinity after about a week into the season. It took basically a day of my life, but it was worth it. My own belief is that this TV deal is not going to get done anytime soon. The Astros have no leverage and the Rockets now have some with the signing of Dwight Howard, so maybe that helps. People have to switch providers and take money away from them, until that happens, I just don't see the incentive for providers to pay a premium to CSN Houston. AT&T has basically said as much. I think providers are looking to take a stand against the addition of all the RSNs and they are using CSN Houston as an example. We had Uverse and have actually been happier with Xfinity, so no complaints on my end.
9. What year will the Astros once again be a contender?
2015
Many thank to Mark Bohn for playing along with us! I know he doesn't really want you to send him topless Brad Ausmus photos, but I couldn't resist.
Happy Birthday, Mark!
