That's what Drayton McLane has to sell these days. He has a New York investment firm helping him find a buyer. The asking price? It is open. If you don't have a half billion availble don't even try to get in the bidding. Mr. McLane paid about $117 million for it all, but that was back in 1992. You have to expect to make a little profit over eighteen years.
The team is the Houston Astros. They have a wonderful place to play ball. It can be either inside or outside depending on the weather. There is a sliding roof when Houston is hot or rainy. It is one of those two, or both, most of the time. It is called Minute Maid Park. There are a lot of extras that go with the deal. You purchase a whole team of players of varied talents. Some of them are of major league caliber. Two of the better ones were traded during the middle of last season. Some younger guys came along and helped them out of the cellar. There are no bonafide superstars like days of old. Attendance is great,considering how bad they were for more than half of last season.
Mr. McLane is simply tired of having to go to the ballpark or travel across the country. He is tired of hearing whining players tell how they need more money. His wife is ready to vacate that front row seat close to the Bush box. Nothing personal.
So, gather your piggy banks and old fruit jars. Count every dime. Get back all the money owed you from friends. Add it all up and multiply by ....hmmmmm a lot, and then make a bid. You might just get to buy a baseball team in Texas. Nolan Ryan did it, so can you! (Got a free pass for an old friend?)
