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Astros GM gives away free tickets on Twitter ahead of George Springer's debut
Wednesday night's battle against the Kansas City Royals may prove to be the most anticipated game of the season for the Houston Astros. That's because top prospect George Springer finally got the call he's been waiting for since the Astros selected him in the first round of the 2011 draft, and is set to make his major league debut at Minute Maid Park.
It almost feels like a landmark moment for a franchise that has been in full blown rebuilding mode for the better part of three seasons. Springer represents a new wave of talent that general manager Jeff Luhnow hopes will be the catalysts for their turn around and ascension up the AL West standings.
It will take more than one piece, obviously, but Springer is the first, which adds to the buzz and, fairly or unfairly, to the expectations. It's with the former in mind that the Astros are calling Wednesday #SpringerDay in Houston. But Luhnow decided he really wanted to tap into the excitement of Springer's arrivial while also in some small way showing his appreciation to the fanbase for their patience by offering two free tickets to fans with the best responses on Twitter using the #SpringerDay hashtag.
Use #SpringerDay to convince me that you should get two great seats for tonight's game! I will choose winner/s by 3 pm.
— Jeff Luhnow (@jluhnow) April 16, 2014
Some were humorous. Others were passionate pleas from die hards. But each caught Luhnow's attention for different reasons. Here's a look at the winning selections
This first one is a no brainer... I'm a sucker for any Seinfeld reference... #SpringerDay
— Jeff Luhnow (@jluhnow) April 16, 2014
#SPRINGERDAY #SummerOfGeorge pic.twitter.com/Q45k45JFy0
— Andrew D. Packard (@apackard1) April 16, 2014
Aren't we all.
The next one was also a no brainer.
I admire and respect anyone that serves our country. Thank you for your service to the next winner! #SpringerDay
— Jeff Luhnow (@jluhnow) April 16, 2014
@jluhnow I am a Marine Combat Veteran with two deployments to Afghanistan!I love my Team and I love my city. #HTown #SpringerDay #astros
— Manuel & Kelli (@MKCervantez) April 16, 2014
It's all about family for his third pick.
My daughter and I love to watch baseball together, so this next one was easy... #SpringerDay
— Jeff Luhnow (@jluhnow) April 16, 2014
@jluhnow Would love to take my dad to the game for #SpringerDay ! Our fav dad/daughter activity! #GoStros pic.twitter.com/enfapINws9
— Brandi Schaefer (@branmuffin0119) April 16, 2014
And the diehard fan who represents at all hours of the day.
This last one entered multiple times and it's easy to tell she's a loyal fan... #SpringerDay
— Jeff Luhnow (@jluhnow) April 16, 2014
@jluhnow #SpringerDay im representing in my classes today so im already ready for the game if im chosen :) pic.twitter.com/q4Ddsffo78
— Kim Potter (@kimbahleyy) April 16, 2014
Good picks, and a great gesture by Luhnow. He knows the Astros still have serious work to do to repair their roster and repair the trust from their fans. In one night, he's attempting to make the first necessary steps in both directions.
BLS H/N: For The Win
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is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
