Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche Kicks Off a NASA Night to Remember (and the Crowd Goes Wild)
On May 2, 2022, NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche added a new skill to her growing résumé — pitcher. And while she may not be filling in for the Astros starting lineup just yet, her first-pitch experience helped kick off a budding partnership with Houston’s top baseball team in 2022. More NASA Night are planned in the future — slated for June 6, July 16, Aug. 1, and Oct. 3 — and details will be forthcoming on how Johnson team members can take part in cheering on Space City as the players go for another World Series title.
[Watch Wyche throw a mean strike HERE.]
In addition to opening the game, on this NASA Night, spectators got to see the Astros sporting their new Space City jerseys — part of a three-year City Connect program in partnership with Nike to honor the “Space City” legacy of the team’s hometown in a special and highly visible way. The Astros plan to sport their space-inspired uniforms for each Monday home game and on NASA Nights.
And now ... we play ball. Credits: Ansley Browns
At the May 2 game, Johnson volunteers interacted with the public and engaged kids in creating their own cut-out astronauts. Many employees took advantage of Starport’s ticket offer and went out to enjoy the game, while others sported their Astros gear in support throughout the day.
A team of Johnson volunteers show off stylish, cut-out astronauts. Credits: Jessica Cordero
Enjoy more images, below, of the Johnson team (and their friends and family) showing their love for all things Astros and Space City!
Left and middle, submitted by Ansley Browns. Left: Carla Santiago/AD, Mike Nevills/IC, Scott Browns/IC, and Ansley Browns/OB. Middle: Scott and Ansley Browns. Right: Submitted by Bob Martel. Digna and Bob Martel.
Left, middle, and right: Submitted by Danielle Johnson.
Left, middle, and right: Submitted by Elena Fermin.
Left: Submitted by Fernando De La Peña Sr. From left: Fernando De La Peña Sr. Fernando De La Peña Jr., and Vanessa Wyche. Middle and right: Submitted by Hunter Zambrano.
Left: Submitted by Isidro Reyna. Middle: Submitted by Jackie Reese. From left, Jackie Reese/EAP-SD, and Mary Cerimele/EC-retired, sport their freebie championship rings. Right: Submitted by Jessica Cordero.
The International Space Station (ISS) program shows its game-day spirit. Left: ISS Safety Panel engineers, submitted by Catherine Wood. Right: The International Space Station Vehicle Office, submitted by Ansley Browns. From left, Dana Patterson, Jennifer Marsh, Ansley Browns, and Lynda Gavin.
Left and right: Submitted by James Martinez.
Left and right: Submitted by James Martinez.
Left: Submitted by Janetta Robins Boone and Andrew Boone. Middle: Submitted by Kimberly Topps. Right: Submitted by Sarah Ruiz.
Far left and middle: Submitted by Patricia Carreon. Far right: Submitted by Renee Hernandez.
Left, middle, and right: Submitted by Renee Hernandez.
Left and right: Submitted by Robert Hanley.
Far left: Submitted by Stephanie Castillo. Middle left: Submitted by Thomas Bryan. Middle right: Submitted by Thu Nguyen. Far right: Submitted by Windi Compton.
