Parting Ways

I'm in mourning... My beloved Brad Ausmus is leaving the Astros. He has decided not to return to Houston to play out his career. He wants to play closer to home, in Southern California. Should that not happen, he might retire all together.

For most of my time, as a member of Outsports, I have been known as Ausmusfan. I have used that screen name for other discussion boards too. It'll be a sad, sad day when he hangs up his Astros jersey. I have been dreading this day. But seeing the likes of Bagwell and Biggio retire, I know things will go on.

It won't be the same without Ausmus around. He's such a good looking guy. He was King of the Hardwood, after all. And prevailed over a lot of other good looking athletes, in other competitions. I've got so many pictures of him. As, I'm sure, others have as well. It'll definitely be an End of an Era.

My wish is for him to come back and manage the Astros. Wouldn't that be something?

Is anyone else sad about the possible end of his career?

I am too, for some of the same reasons as you are, but at the same time it is time to move on. I'm a lifelong Astros fan and much of my life as a fan, Ausmus has been behind the plate. He was reliable, tough and obviously well-respected by the best pitchers in the game. Kind of like Biggio and Bagwell leaving, it will be tough to see this team without him.

Oh yeah and he's quite attractive too, that doesn't hurt.

I grew up a couple blocks down from Ausmus' house in West University.

Gorgeous, apparently a swell guy, and really hasn't hit enough to deserve any kind of big-league job in at least 4 years.

What a wonderful way to end your career with the Astros.

Ausmus Homers

Ausmus always seemed like an incredibly classy guy......good luck to him.

Some pics of Ausmus' last game with the Astros.

Brad heads to the dugout after hitting his last home run with the Astros.


Brad acknowledges the crowd.


Brad gets a hug from recent retiree Craig Biggio.

Mike Hampton has come back to Astros. He will wear Brad's #11. No one should wear # 11 but Brad.