By LAUREN HENRY

Staff Intern

A midafternoon thunderstorm proved not enough to deter Astro fans on Saturday from securing a season pass and meeting this year's young team.

The Greeneville Astros, a local minor league baseball team affiliated with the Houston Astros, held their annual "Meet the Astros" Saturday, June 14, for season ticket holders.

It was a time for fans to mingle with fellow baseball enthusiasts, meet members of the team they love, and enjoy some hot pizza.

"It is a good time to meet them and I know that the young men enjoy meeting the people in the community as well," said Julie Payne, an avid baseball fan.

Payne, like many that attended Saturday, comes to Astros games to watch the sport she loves.

"I enjoy baseball first of all," said Payne, "and I enjoy seeing all the people that come."

Marvin Gladwell, a season ticket holder, said, "I just love baseball."

Fans that attended this year's "Meet the Astros" not only received the players' autographs but had the chance to see them practice as well. The Astros planned to conduct batting practice as season ticket holders arrived to pick up their passes. Then, they were scheduled to meet their fans.

However, a short thunderstorm delayed practice.

"I think people came to see the team, and they are all sitting in the dugout now," remarked Leo Giesen.

The Astros decided to mingle first, then brave the weather. Fortunately, the skies cleared and fans enjoyed seeing the boys run drills and practice on the field.

This is the fifth year that the Astros have been based in Greeneville, and each year much of Greeneville's community has made it out to Pioneer Park to support their team. The Astros began their first season in 2004 by becoming the Appalachian League Champions, and with that championship won the hearts of many Greenevillians.

However, only winning 17 games and losing a grand total of 51 games last year, some fans have become disappointed with the team.

"I didn't enjoy last year very much because we didn't play very good," said Brumley Greene.

Fortunately, the addition of the number two and three picks from the draft has many hoping for better results this year.

Nonetheless, it is not just the winning seasons that draw in fans each year. The Astros have become known for their creative and entertaining promotions.

For Astro fan Tub Day the best part of the game is the "free stuff."

From "Dollar Dog Night" with hot dogs selling for only a dollar to "Parrot Head Night" featuring the Caribbean Cowboys, the Astros attempt to make every game a night to remember.

"We try to have a party every night," said David Lane, General Manger of the team.

The Astros have made the decision this year to return to Friday night fireworks in an effort to draw in fans. Fireworks will also be featured Friday, June 20, for the opening game, Thursday, July 3, for the Fourth of July celebration, and for the last game of the season Tuesday, Aug. 26.

"Last year we won the Promotional Excellence Award," said Lane.

Fans described the Astros games on Saturday as family oriented.

"About the cheapest family entertainment you can get anymore," remarked Greene.

"Greene County has been a baseball county since I can remember," he said. "They've had some great semi-pro's and county leagues here. Since the Burley Cubs left in 1942, there hasn't been anything here until the Astros came."

The Astros will begin their home schedule Friday night against the Danville Braves.