Astros make second trip to White House in five years: 'You’re an impressive group of men'

U.S. Pres. Joe Biden (D) hosted the 2022 World Series champion Houston Astros in the East Room at the White House on Aug. 8, marking the second time in half a decade the team called on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The Astros made a quick stop in Washington, D.C. after beating the New York Yankees 9-7 at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 6 and a day before they commence their three-game series against the American League (AL)-best Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

“You’re an impressive group of men,” Biden, a known fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, whom the Astros dispatched in six games in last year’s Fall Classic, said, according to a transcript provided the White House. “From management on down — to ownership.” 

Federal lawmakers representing the Houston area were in attendance, as shown in a YouTube video published by the White House. In a rare show of bipartisanship, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-Friendswood) and U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) promised Biden that the team will successfully defend their title. “We will be back next year,” both men told the president.

Aside from touting Houston’s on-field performance, Biden praised the franchise for its work with the community, especially in the aftermath of the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers. “You showed up for the people of Uvalde when they needed it the most,” the president said, according to a transcript of the event. The Astros visited Uvalde to lend support to grieving residents, as well as hosted hundreds of them at Minute Maid Park in their Aug. 14, 2022, matchup against the Oakland Athletics.

Astros skipper Dusty Baker and owner Jim Crane presented Biden with a Gold Rush jersey, the same one the players wore in the first two games of their ongoing title defense. 

“These guys standing behind me are the greatest guys I’ve been around,” Baker, whose third trip to the World Series was the charm, said, according to a report on the team’s website. “They always believe in themselves, prior to me even coming here, that they had the ability to win, and they showed what perseverance and character can do for you.”