Being a sports fan in Houston is an emotional gamble. One day, you’re screaming yourself hoarse for your favorite player; the next, they’re suiting up for a rival. Do you wish them well? Of course, but then, what do you do with the expensive jersey with their name on the back that’s hanging in your closet? 

The heartbreak is all too familiar: James Harden left us. So did DeAndre Hopkins. And in 2022, after seven seasons, a Rookie of the Year award, a Gold Glove, and a World Series championship, Astros all-star shortstop Carlos Correa left for the Minnesota Twins. For fans, the trade was agonizing. Jerseys suddenly felt like relics. And yet, the connection never really faded.

On July 31, just hours before the Major League Baseball trade deadline, the unthinkable happened: Correa was coming home. A last-minute deal brought him back to the Astros during a nine-game road stretch that included a couple of wins against American League rival, the New York Yankees. 

August 11 marked the moment fans had been waiting for—Correa’s first game back at Daikin Park. Much had changed: the stadium name (goodbye, Minute Maid Park), the head coach (hello, Joe Espada), and even Correa’s position on the field (he’s now a third baseman). What hasn’t changed, though, is the way the city feels about him. 

That recent Monday, the atmosphere was electric. It almost felt like the playoffs were already here. 

“He’s home, brother!” shouted Astros superfan Lê Hoàng Nguyên. From his season ticket seat in section 105, Nguyên had a perfect view of Correa at third base. Like dozens of others around him, Nguyên held up a Welcome Back sign,  delighted to see his hero back in an Astros uniform. “Correa brings a certain swagger back to the team,” Nguyên said. “He has the confidence and talent without resorting to arrogance. I look forward to seeing how his leadership will push the Astros for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.”

Devoted father-and-son duo David and Nate Vierra didn’t hesitate when asked for their favorite Correa memory. “The home run in Game 5 against the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series!” exclaimed David, without missing a beat. Nate gushed about Correa’s tenacity, loyalty, and response to the Astros’ controversial 2017 sign-stealing scandal. In November 2019, headlines about the Astros’ alleged cheating made headlines across the sports world, resulting in a $5 million fine against the team. At the time, Correa vehemently defended the players, while also apologizing for the scandal during a 2020 interview. “Carlos always held his ground and stood up for his teammates and his city,” Nate said. “Correa is the type of guy who will always have your back, no matter what. That’s the type of attitude we need right now.”

Even Astros head coach Espada praised Correa’s impact on the team, particularly on the younger players. “He brings in a different perspective into the clubhouse, a veteran mindset with great positive energy,” Espada said during a pregame press conference. “He’s a special player, and we’re ecstatic to have him back.”

Despite the large media presence and rowdy fanfare, I managed to catch Correa myself, just before batting practice. “Carlos, what did you miss the most about Houston?” I asked him as he walked toward the batting cage. “José [Altuve]!” he said with a wide smile while giving me a friendly tap on the shoulder. 

When Correa’s name was announced, nearly 40,000 fans roared to their feet, giving him a standing ovation as he readied to bat as an Astros player for the first time in years. Correa tipped his cap, thanking them for the love. Later, just before facing off against the Boston Red Sox’s starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, he’d admit he was overwhelmed with emotion: “I got chills and almost felt like crying. But I cannot cry before facing a possible Cy Young [Award] winner, so, you know, [you] keep it together.”

Through six innings against the Boston Red Sox, the Astros held them to only 2 runs—until Boston rallied for four runs in the seventh inning. After a costly misplay by Jeremy Peña in the ninth, and with just one out needed for a win, Correa rounded up his infield for a quick pep talk. Moments later, the final out was recorded. The score? Astros 7, Red Sox 6. The stadium exploded in cheers to celebrate a much-deserved win. It was the ending every fan in the park wanted. A victory to go with the homecoming. 

Will Houston celebrate another trip to the World Series this year, or will Correa break our hearts again? Whatever happens, #1 is back.