Fred Faour: Sports events are about more than what is on the field

The love for sports is eternal. We enjoy the camaraderie and the highs and lows of winning and losing.

But sports is not just about the athletes and coaches, the wins and losses. It is about the people who never step foot on the field, but their lives depend on the teams.

And as fans, it is up to us to get to know them and support them the way they support our teams.

It’s your favorite bartender at Minute Maid Park. The ticket takers. The people behind the windows who sell you your tickets.

It’s the restaurant owners you visit before the games. The waiters. The beer and peanut vendors at the parks. People whose lives depend on these teams and jobs. People who work hard every day.

Back before the Art Briles days, when UH football was awful, my brother, my son, and myself were the only people seated in section 208 at Robertson Stadium. The beer vendor had no customers. He would sit next to us for part of the game and watch. His name was Eddie. Later, when we were at a UH basketball game, he came up and gave us a hug and thanked us for supporting him. There are thousands of Eddies out there in Houston sports. Get to know them. Support them. They are good people.

As much as we talk about the good in sports, let’s not forget the people who don’t wear the uniforms, do the announcing, or coach. They are just as important. Next time you go to an Astros game, pregame at Cobos or Neil’s. Say hello to the owners. Their business is better when you go. They are huge fans as well. They work their tails off, just like every vendor in Minute Maid, NRG, TDECU, or with the Dynamo.

Remember how essential they are. Be friendly and kind.

You might find you make lasting relationships.