Date: SUN 09/6/98
Section: SPORTS
Page: 29
Edition: 2 STAR
I know it is early to discuss this, but a conversation with my son this morning has forced me to write. We saw a guy wearing a Randy Johnson Astros T-shirt. I asked my 5th grade son Ryan, "So, do you think that shirt will be wearable next year?" He looked at me as if I must be dumb, and nodded an emphatic YES.
Geez ... that look in his eyes. I realized that in his mind he sees the honor of the Astros team and ownership, and the personal values of Randy Johnson. And at his age he is innocently unaware of the sometimes cruel realities of the baseball business. It literally choked me up.
To Drayton McLane: Have faith in the fans of Houston and in the business success to be birthed with our new stadium. Your guts and Gerry Hunsicker's acumen have brought Randy Johnson to Houston. He fits here not just because of his talent, but because of his personal and family values. He's not a New York guy; he's a Houston guy. This is just like the deals with Biggio and Bagwell in recent years. Do what is needed to keep him here.
To Randy: Thank you for the humble nature with which you have embraced the attention you've received in Houston. Thank you for expressing the importance of family. Thank you for your wonderful talents. Please give fair consideration to this team and this town at season's end. You and your family deserve to live and work where your values are shared.
Steve Cutchen
Houston