On October 3, 1999, the Astros played their last regular season game in the Astrodome. Not only was it the last game of the season, they needed a win (over the Dodgers) to clinch the Central Division Title for the third year in a row. Behind the incredible pitching of ace Mike Hampton, the 'Stros won handily, 9-3. Hampton, pitching on only 3 days rest, picked up his 22nd win of the season, a new team record. After the game, a tremendous celebration broke out, with confetti streaming from the top of the Dome, and the back-to-back-to-back Division Title Banner unveiled. This celebration was followed by a Willie Nelson concert. The packed house of 50,000+ stayed till the end (or, as Willie sung, "Turn out the lights...")
Ready for the last game...
Charlie Pride sings the National Anthem
The place is packed;
to the left.....
and to the right...
The unveiling of the new banner!
Mike Hampton being interviewed after the game on the Diamondvision screen
It's hard to see, but in the middle of this picture, Craig Biggio is driving a motorcycle around the Dome, with Mike Hampton on the back!
Jose Lima leads the team in a lap around the dome, in the new locker room shirts
Getting ready for Willie!
The players watch as Willie sings
It's been a long day; 7+ hours at the Dome--from pre-game celebrations to Willie
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