https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/29/one-win-from-title-astros-enlist-olajuwon-drexler-for-first-pitch/
One win from title, Astros enlist Olajuwon, Drexler for first pitch
In 1995, Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler were the cornerstones of the Houston Rockets' second NBA championship team. More than 24 years later, the Houston Astros are hoping the dynamic duo can spark similar success on the baseball diamond.
With Major League Baseball's Astros one victory from their second World Series title in three years, Olajuwon will throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch to Drexler before Tuesday night's Game 6 at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston.
It's only fitting that the honor is shared by the pair of Houston legends, who were standout college basketball players at the University of Houston prior to leading the Rockets' second championship team in the 1994-95 NBA season.
In that 1994-95 run, the Rockets overcame an 0-2 deficit in a playoff series — just as the Astros are currently one victory from doing the same thing after dropping the first two games of the 2019 World Series.
Hakeem Olajuwon (@DR34M)on throwing out the 1st pitch before game 6 of the World Series:"That's a huge honor for me.I think it's so cool.This reminds me of Clutch City,against Phoenix.We were down 2-0.They came back,went on the road & won 3 games.That was unbelievable.Can't wait"
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 28, 2019
Hakeem Olajuwon (@DR34M) will throw out the 1st pitch before game six of the World Series. His catcher fellow Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler. Hakeem: "I hope he can catch." Clyde: "I hope he can reach the plate. We'll see how good his arm is. It'll be a bonus if he throws a strike."
Clyde Drexler will catch the ceremonial 1st pitch before game6 of the World Series from fellow Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon (@DR34M).Clyde will also say Play Ball:"It's great.I'm a hometown kid.I grew up being an #Astros Buddy & to do this 900years later is a privilege&an honor"
Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander will start for the Astros in Tuesday's Game 6 against Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals.
In a strange twist of fate, the current Rockets will be in D.C. (the home of the Nationals) to play the Wizards when Game 6 occurs. If the Nationals win Game 6, the Rockets-Wizards game would run simultaneously with Game 7 of the World Series.
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Hakeem Olajuwon (@DR34M) will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before game six of the World Series. His catcher will be fellow Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler. Clyde: "It'll be fun. It's a great celebration for our city. Houston & the state of Texas are proud of the #Astros.