Society / Featured Parties

Astros Great Jeff Bagwell Surprised With the Ultimate 50th Birthday Party: Craig Biggio and Other Stars Show, But Bagwell’s Kids Steal the Show

BY // 05.28.18

Surprise! That was the operative word when  Jeff Bagwell walked into Potente for what he thought was going to be a simple brunch. But his wife, Rachel, had other plans for the Baseball Hall of Famer‘s 50th birthday.

She organized the midday fête for the Astros former first baseman and themed it “Man in Black” so that guests would be dressed in Bagwell’s signature fashion look.

Champagne and wine corks popped as friends and family did the stop-and-repeat in front of a massive collection of red carnations shaped into the number 50. DJ Senega delivered the tunes that kept the energy level high.

Throughout the seated brunch, guests including Patty and Craig Biggio, Austria and Moises Alou and Larry Dierker raised their glasses in toasts to Bagwell. Retired news anchor Dave Ward recalled the birthday boy’s accomplishments in a heartfelt speech and Mayor Sylvester Turner made a surprise visit, declaring it “Jeff Bagwell Day in Houston” and providing a plaque to prove it.

A particularly tender moment came when Bagwell’s daughter, Bryce, read a special tribute to her dad, sent by his father, Robert Bagwell, who was unable to attend the celebration. The baseball star’s other daughter, Blake, made the party as well as Rachel’s children — Lauren, Raquel and Maxwell — who share the Bagwell name. And, even though he doesn’t love public speaking, Bagwell thanked all for their good wishes.

The piece de resistance of the day was the Three Brothers Bakery birthday cake fashioned in the shape of the Hall of Fame Plaque and reading “Hall of Fame Father, Husband and Friend.”

Who: Mary and Tony Gracely, Debbie and Rudy Festari with their sons Elton and Valentino, Laura Ward, Gary Petersen, Melissa and Michael Mithoff with daughter Mia, Tena and Tyson Faust, Brenda and Patrick Hicks, Stephanie and Danny Mushin, Derek and Deneige and Derek Dooley, Michael Stack and Stacy Soriero.

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