HOUSTON — Michael Brantley has a message for Cleveland Indians fans who supported him during his 10 seasons with the Tribe.

“Through everything I had been through with (Cleveland), they always had my back. I got a couple standing ovations when I came back from some injuries that I’ll never forget. The good memories and the bad, they were always there and I can’t thank them enough.”

Brantley, speaking to reporters before his Astros opened a weekend series against manager Terry Francona his former club said he will always have fond memories of playing in Cleveland and growing as a player under Francona’s guidance.

“I appreciate everything he’s done for me, Brantley said. “He developed me as a player and he was a great manager.”

Francona did not rule out the possibility of tears welling during Brantley’s first at-bat of the series.

“Obviously I hope he doesn’t beat us because we’re playing them, but changing uniforms doesn’t take away the affection or the respect that we have had and will have for him,” Francona said. “We were so blessed to have him here for as long as we did. Sometimes you’ve get to remember how fortunate you were to have them with you for however long you had them.”

Brantley admitted to frustration that the Indians did not accomplish their goal of winning a World Series title in his time with the franchise.

“We worked very hard at it,” he said. “Long days, long nights. We supported each other. We did everything right. It just didn’t work out for us. I’ll never pass up those memories and those times. I’ll always remember them and be able to tell my kids about those stories.”

And while his uniform may be different now, Brantley said the bonds he forged in Cleveland’s clubhouse will last forever.

“I have lifetime friends I made over there throughout the course of my career that I kind of grew up with,” he said “But when it’s time to play baseball, that goes aside. When the game’s over, we’ll be best friends again.”

JK sway: Yes, that was Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis gently rocking a baby in his arms while getting ready to take batting practice before Thursday’s game. And yes, that was a Jason Kipnis onesie that 7-month-old Samuel Walsh was wearing, emblazoned with Kipnis’ screaming face on the front and his name and No. 22 across the back.

Samuel was attending his first major league regular season game at Minute Maid Park with parents Emment Walsh and Lisa Gonzalez. Emmet, a native of Kipnis’ hometown of Northbrook, Ill. moved to Houston several years ago, but has stayed in touch with the Kipnis family for more than 25 years, having attended Glenbrook North High with Jason’s older brother, Blair.

Samuel was perfectly calm and well-behaved as Kipnis rocked him back and forth on the cinder track in front of the visiting dugout. And when it came time to hand the tyke back to mom, Kipnis made the turn about as smoothly as any double play he’s ever completed.

No fear of The Beard: You never know who you’re going to run into on the mean streets of Houston on a sunny day in April. Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco and his family were out shopping when they bumped into NBA superstar James Harden of the Houston Rockets.

Harden stopped to pose for a photo with Carrasco’s daughter, Valentina with a heavy wrap on his left wrist. The Rockets eliminated Utah in the NBA playoffs on Wednesday and await the start of the Western Conference semifinals against either the Warriors or Clippers.

While Harden’s photo made for a nice moment outside the park, inside, the Rockets were also well represented. Point guard Chris Paul and his family took in Thursday’s game from front row seats directly behind home plate. In the top of the seventh, Astros mascot Orbit clowned around with the 14-year NBA vet, bringing a basketball to his seat and snatching Paul’s cap.

Clippard’s clubs: Reliever Tyler Clippard joined the Indians in Houston, where he played 16 games in 2017, but was not part of the Astros’ playoff roster as they won the World Series that year.

While Clippard headed to Houston from the Tribe’s Triple-A affiliate in Columbus, his golf clubs headed north to Cleveland. Clippard is an avid golfer and a collector of golf spikes. He owns dozens of pairs.

On more than one occasion the 12-year veteran has talked about his aspirations to play golf professionally. He’s played in pro-am tournaments all over the country and has played several notable golf courses including Pebble Beach.

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