Society / Featured Parties

Jim Crane Opens Up on Astros’ Future and Gerrit Cole With Mr. H-E-B in Grand Slam Night

$1.3 Million Raised — Not Bad for Shaq's Fill-In

BY // 11.15.19

When Houston Astros owner Jim Crane intoned, “It’s all in the numbers. The numbers don’t lie,” he was, of course, referring to baseball. But that axiom could as easily have been applied to the “Grand Slam for TEACH” fundraiser that found him on stage at River Oaks Country Club being interviewed by the congenial Mr. H-E-B Scott McClelland.

The charitable numbers in question: $200,000 raised in a 10-minute effort and a grand slam night overall with proceeds surpassing $1.3 million.

Needless to say, with those two high-profile Houstonians, both with Astros connections, in the spotlight (Crane filling in for Shaquille O’Neal), the event was a sellout with tables spilling over into the foyer.

Among Crane’s observations:

“We’ve got a great group of guys. They’re all talented and pulling together. And that’s what makes it fun to see those guys laughing and being successful.”

“I always try to keep our people focused on the facts and how productive you are. I’ve always liked my job . . . I always try to treat people like I want to be treated and create a good place to work. If people like their job, it’s not like work.”

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Asked about the structure of next season’s team and in particular the financial question of pitcher Gerrit Cole’s future, Crane responded, “With big contracts, the danger is a long period of time.” But he acknowledged that the Astros are among four big name teams in the running to sign Cole.

“He (Astro’s GM Jeff Luhnow) will add some people,” Crane added. “He’ll subtract some people. The core will be there . . .  We’ll have a great time next season. So come out and see us.”

Applause, applause for dinner chairs Carol and Mike Linn and Soraya and Scott McClelland and to billionaire Fayez Sarofim, husband of TEACH (To Educate All Children) co-founder Susan Sarofim, who underwrote the entire cost of the evening. The nonprofit was co-founded in 2005 with Mary Yenik, who was present.

The dinner event honored Kelly Krohn Buchanan, previous TEACH CEO, and Bruce Derrick and featured remarks from Wheatley High School principal Joseph Williams and TEACH executive director Nory Angel.

PC Seen: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Whitney Crane, Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Lori Sarofim, Alina and Roberto Garcia, Beth Madison, Anne and Dr. Jim Muntz, Alice and Keith Mosing, Cynthia Petrello, Bonner and George Ball, Chuck Jenness, Kirby and Scott McCool, and Philamena and Arthur Baird.

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