101-year-old Astros fan wishes for World Series win

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - He may be the oldest Astros fan and at 101 years old, Walter Peine is ready to call his favorite team of America's favorite pastime World Series champions.

"Oh, they have a good team," says lifelong fan Peine, who has been cheering on the Astros long before the team was known as the Astros.

Peine, of course, remember's the minor league Houston Buffaloes, which was affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, and he also remembers when professional baseball finally landed in Houston. He recalls him and his brother buying tickets to see the Colt .45's for only $0.25 (just a quarter)!

Peine served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. He married his wife in California and they had six children together. The two were married for more than 50 years before she passed away.

As far as the secret to living a long life, Peine says, "For one thing, my mother had good genes." He also says he never drank alcohol or smoked. In addition, he ate healthy.

When asked who is a standout on the Astros ballclub this year, Peine did not hesitate.

"Well, I like Altuve. He hit three home runs," adds Peine, referring to Game 1 of the American League Division Series when the Astros faced the Boston Red Sox.

"They beat Boston and Boston has a good team," explains Penine.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Peine has been asked to throw out the first pitch for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. The Astros are squaring off against the New York Yankees in the best-of-seven game series.

Peine will also be celebrating his 102nd birthday on Oct. 20, four days before the World Series is scheduled to begin.

"They'll probably be in the World Series," says Peine about the Astros.

There's no doubt whether at home or at Minute Maid Park, Peine will be cheering on his Astros hoping this year will be the year where history is earned.