Page "Houston Astros" Paragraph 58

The 2000 season saw a move to a new stadium.

Originally called Enron Field, the stadium was to feature a functional retractable roof, a particularly useful feature with unpredictable Houston weather.

The ballpark also featured more intimate surroundings than the Astrodome.

In 2002, naming rights were purchased by Houston-based Minute Maid, after Enron went bankrupt.

The park was built on the grounds of the old Union Station.

A locomotive moves across the outfield and whistles after home runs, paying homage to a Houston history which had eleven railroad company lines running through the city by 1860.

The ballpark also contains quirks such as " Tal's Hill ", which is a hill in deep center field on which a flagpole stands, all in fair territory.

A similar feature was located in Crosley Field.

Over the years, many highlight reel catches have been made by center fielders running up the hill to make catches.

With the change in location also came a change in attire.

Gone were the blue and gold uniforms of the 1990s in favor a more " retro " look with pinstripes, a traditional baseball font, and the colors of brick red, sand and black.

The " shooting star " logo was modified but still retained its definitive look.