The last time a member of the Houston Rockets threw out the first pitch at Minute Maid Park before a game involving Major League Baseball’s Astros, it was Christian Wood — who was traded days later.
It’s a safe bet, however, that Tuesday’s ceremonial honorees won’t suffer the same fate. Just prior to their departure for Las Vegas to participate in the NBA’s 2022 summer league, newly drafted Rockets rookies Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and TyTy Washington all threw out a pitch prior to the Astros’ home game versus the Kansas City Royals.
It was a clear honor for each of the three rookies, who are now calling Houston home. The defending American League champion Astros are the pride of the Houston sports community these days, but with the help of players like Smith, Eason, and Washington, the Rockets are hoping to find similar success on the hardwood within a few years.
Scroll on for photos, videos, and interviews from Tuesday night.
.@jabarismithjr checking in at Minute Maid Park!
H-Town love🤘 pic.twitter.com/kd3v0J4jol
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 5, 2022
