Sports Illustrated Houston Astros 2017 World Series Champions Special Commemorative Issue - George Springer Cover: Baseball's Great Prophecy

Playing on the road while Hurricane Harvey ravaged their homes, the Houston Astros were displaced, disconsolate and helpless, grieving that they could not do more for their city and neighbors. All the Astros could do then was play baseball, to give their fans common cause and a little distraction. Their play became a rallying point, binding them to a community in the best and worst of times. Through 56 seasons Houstonians had waited for a championship. Finding strength in numbers, the Astros took out the three teams with the top payrolls in baseball and won southeast Texas a world title.

Houston earned its championship three years after completing its sixth straight losing season following an elaborate, unprecedented blueprint. The front office wove old-fashioned scouting with modern metrics and some blockbuster dealing. The Astros anticipated backlash for the rebuilding effort and received it. But in coming out victorious in a Fall Classic pitting two 100-plus-win teams for the first time since 1970, there was clearly magic behind their madness.

Sports Illustrateds Houston Astros World Series championship special commemorative issue details that rebuilding story, from the creation of the teams largely homegrown roster to the celebration in the locker room moments after the historic victory. The past and present of the clubs history is captured in 96 colorful pages featuring SIs trademark prose and photographs. Relive the teams dominant regular season and exciting playoff run. Go deep with probing looks at second baseman Jose Altuve, shortstop Carlos Correa and centerfielder George Springer, the World Series MVP. Get a blast from the past with a march through the teams memorable history, showcasing the Astrodome, Nolan Ryan and Craig Biggio, and more. Capturing the craziness of the seven-game homer-filled series, this special issue is a fitting salute to a special team and its city. Houston strong, indeed.

Please note that this product is an authorized edition published by Time Inc. and sold by Amazon. This edition is printed using a high quality matte interior paper and printed on demand for immediate fulfillment.