In post-Harvey Houston, the Astros’ win is especially sweet

For only the second time since they joined Major League Baseball as an expansion team in 1962 as the Colt .45s, the Houston Astros are headed to the World Series, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball.” That poignant line from Field of Dreams takes on a special meaning for the Astros and their fans in Houston and throughout Texas.

Less than two months ago, baseball was a distant thought in the Houston area. Residents were battered by nearly 50 inches of rain dumped by Hurricane Harvey, fighting to save their possessions — or even their lives. For five long days, they suffered but also endured. Finally, on Aug. 30, the sun appeared.

All during that time, baseball continued. The Astros built what would become an insurmountable lead in the AL West, one that carried them to a division title.

As the cleanup in Houston continued, the baseball playoff picture began to come into focus. When the regular season ended Oct. 1, the Astros knew they’d face a tough task in their march to the World Series.

They were up to it, though. After dispatching two baseball giants in the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, the Astros will attempt to bring the World Series trophy to Texas — and a city eager for a happy diversion.

As the final out settled into the glove of Astros center fielder George Springer on Saturday night, the eruption of cheers by Houston fans took on a special meaning. For so many of those fans, it meant setting aside, at least momentarily, thoughts of repairs and rebuilding and ruin. It was time to savor that win — and the possibility of an even larger victory to come.

Baseball — the one constant through all the years — endures. Whether it is in the midst an earthquake like in 1989, or watching players take the field after the horror of the 9/11 attacks, the sport gives people reason to dream about the joy of a championship for their city. It gives them a little respite from the realities of life.

From veteran players like Jose Altuve to newcomers such as Justin Verlander, the Astros recognized what a trip to the World Series meant. They had seen the devastation and responded. They visited shelters, donated money, stocked food banks.

They want to do more, to bring the World Series championship home to fans, too.

Count us among the fans rooting for that win, too.

MMISS HELEN DID NOT DRIVE, BUT MISS BEECHIE DID.