The Astros are 44-86. They have the worst winning percentage in baseball and are averaging just over 19,000 fans per game, which is 28th out of 30 teams. The Astros also have the lowest payroll at $13,000. Yet they are number one team in the category that matters the most to MLB franchises…making money.
The man behind it all is a guy from right here from Missouri…team owner Jim Crane. He grew up just outside of St. Louis and went to college at Central Missouri, where he was a pretty decent pitcher for the Mules, but made his money in insurance, gas, energy and freight. Crane donated money to Central Missouri, upgrading their baseball facilities, which are named after him.
There are varying reports. Forbes estimates the Astros will make $99 million this year, but Crane disputes that number. However, the numbers shake out, the Astros stand to win in the near future while their fans suffer through at least a few more miserable seasons.
Cardinals fans should consider themselves lucky…Royals fans, is there light at the end of the tunnel?