“We’re trying to find the best way to define the first World Series game in Texas,” said Hall spokesman Brad Horn, adding that the early candidates included a game program and the ball Ryan threw.

Despite the disappointment of the open roof reducing the crowd noise, the clear sky and cool temperature made for a pleasant mid-October experience unlike any other in state history. It was especially cozy to fans who remember feeling swallowed in the vast openness of the Astrodome.

“I’ve had people come up to me and practically break down and cry, they’re so happy that we made it,” said Larry Dierker, a club broadcaster who was an All-Star pitcher and later four-time division winner as a manger. “It’s had quite an effect on me. I didn’t think they could do it this year.”

Nearly every seat was filled long before the start. Every version of every uniform in team history was visible, with one father and his young son donning the rainbow jerseys of J.R. Richard and Cesar Cedeno. Orange caps dotted most sections, too.

Signs were everywhere, with many referencing the club’s “We believe” slogan or the team’s Killer B’s theme. Some combined the two: “We bee-lieve.”

A few rows up in the stands, 80-year-old Sofia Garza, a regular at games since 1966, was decked in everything from Astros logo earrings to the lucky frog she wears around her wrist. She’s become close to many players through the years, having called Garner “my boy” since he played for the team in the 1980s.

“I’m 80 years old and I keep asking God to let me live long enough to see the Astros play in a World Series,” she said. “It’s here and I know they’re going to go all the way.”

Former Astros Bob Watson and Art Howe also were among those soaking in the pregame scene on the field. As an MLB executive, Watson can’t root for any team — but as a Houston resident, he could appreciate the significance.

“This means a whole lot for the city, for the state of Texas,” he said. “It’s just fantastic.”

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