July 13 or “713 Day” may not be known to many of those outside the Houston area. But if you are from anywhere surrounding the city and a fan of the Houston Astros, here is how to represent and where its history started.
In 1947, the American Telephone & Telegraph company (now known as AT&T) gave Houston its “713” area code when the company began mapping out standardized area codes across the country. The “281” area code came in 1996 after being split from the “713” city area code and used more for the surrounding areas. When you think of Houston there are staples that come to mind such as barbecue, Tex-Mex, the Astros, Southern rap and candy painted cars. If you are like me, you live southeast of the Astrodome, and while I did leave the state for some time I always yearned to come back where my home is and that is Houston. While there are many ways to celebrate the city on 713 day from shopping local, exploring a local brewery or even just cruising the city with your music slow, loud, and banging one event was special this year.
The Houston Astros and local legend, philanthropist, rapper and now Rice University professor Bernard Freeman aka Bun B officially teamed up for a second time to design some amazing merchandise that had many Houstonians lining up at 7 a.m. for a 2 p.m. event on a Wednesday! Bun B said the designs celebrate Houston, how strong this community is in its support of the city and its love for the Astros. Freeman went on to say this holiday is made for Houston by Houstonians and these pieces are just one way you can show your love for your city.
When I arrived at 9 a.m., I was 33rd in line and luckily inside the building in the comfort of A/C. Many braved the searing Texas heat with a line that wrapped all the way around Minute Maid Park, just for a chance at the collection. Speaking to those in the front of line they said they had been waiting since 7 a.m. outside and planned to get everything available, adding it was a must-go opportunity to buy the new collaboration and also for the chance to meet Bun B who has done so much for the city to which we all agreed on whole heartedly.
One of the designs I chose was the retro concept prototype “A” Astros hat Bun B calls the “moon hat” which features a three-tone design, trill OG astronaut patch and a H-town license plate on the side. The patches made this a must own for me with the astronaut patch, and space city connect jerseys releasing earlier this year, as well as the 2000’s Texas license plate that we all grew up with stitched into the side was a nice touch for all native Houstonians. Another design was an orange hat with navy brim and the words “Trill OG” (a combination of the words real and true popularized by Bun B) in old English font stitched on the front alongside the Astros logo. A brilliant design but not for me personally, but I did see many of both designs flying off the shelf, the only thing stopping some from buying out the store was limits per customer.
A surprise revealed to those in line was the limited edition “713” Bun B bobblehead, the first time I personally have ever seen a celebrity in any form, much less one throwing up the Houston H-town hand sign on an official MLB licensed bobblehead. Making it incredibly unique and rare with it featuring a Houston legend like Bun B in front of a “Slab” car, it was a must have on the day with only 150 made it was an easy decision for many. It was the talk of the line, and for the lucky 150 who stood in line early, put in the hours, effort, and plan to keep theirs for themselves and not to flip it for profit, I salute you as an ardent fan and true collector like myself.
My other choice was the real sleeper hit of the whole collection in my opinion, the “281” hat, in honor of Houston’s other area code featured an all-suede body and brim that had every logo the Astros have had stitched into the hat with the lining being a nod to the iconic Astrodome that looks just like the roof from inside. It was the real showstopper of the collection, and excellent follow up to the last collection . The “281” hat retailed for $281 and only 281 were made of the design making it a great collector’s piece in anyone’s collection and the iconic logos of each generations Astros emblazoned on it make for a instant classic and great looking memorabilia, dare I say a wearable piece of Houston Astros history. The final choice was only for the big spenders, the 713-edition hat featured an all-black leather design with a Trill OG crest on the front retailed for a whopping $713 and came in a display case that is so Houston. There were some eager and chomping at the bit for it, but sadly the price tag made it out of reach for many including myself. For almost a month’s rent payment, you received a superb collector piece worth displaying for years that should be entered into the Houston Astros Hall of Fame alley at the ballpark as well. First and foremost it comes with a small screen inside, yes a video screen which plays the promotional Houston Astros & Bun B video on a loop and the hat which rests on a Dayton rim inside the box which was a chefs kiss perfect choice for the occasion and theming behind the whole collection! The display box featured a orange car design, Texas vanity plate, and even a functioning neon board with lyrics from Bun B’s verse on the song “Big Pimpin” (Jay-Z featuring UGK).
The day was tiring but rewarding, the anticipation was electric throughout with many updating the crowd as we approached 2 p.m. It was a momentous event and Bun B was an absolute class act being both patient and courteous to everyone including myself. It was a full circle moment for me as well, from childhood memories of riding around the city with my younger brother and my dad driving playing UGK (Bun B and Pimp C) songs to now, on my own as an adult sharing even a quick chat with him was a big moment for me. The first thing Bun B did was greet me with a smile and thanked me for taking time out of my day to come out, which was so nice to hear after the wait we all endured. To get the chance to meet him, shake his hand, getting a chance to buy the new merchandise and get it signed was an unforgettable experience that I will not easily forget. Regardless of how you represent your city and regardless of the day make sure to stay trill.
Houston Astros x Bun B 713 Day
Prev 1 of 12 Next
