Former Astros SP Bud Norris Discusses New Ace Hunter Brown
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 26: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros reacts in the fourth inning during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin M. Cox/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Norris, the Opening Day starter for the Astros in their inaugural American League campaign in 2013, shared his thoughts on Houston’s Opening Day starter this year, new staff ace Hunter Brown.
Bud Norris can relate. He had his moment of glory with the Astros as a number one starter in 2013. That day, he’d pave the way for Houston’s inaugural win as a member of the American League.
Bud’s excitement bubbled over in a recent conversation with us at the Crawfish Boxes. Q: How special is going out there as the ace of a staff? A: It goes without saying, that it’s a huge honor.
You can only nominate one guy for Opening Day and there’s only 30 teams in baseball. It’s an opportunity to showcase yourself to your team and the fans. Hunter has earned that.
It’s an entire body of work. It’s the years of high school ball, college, the minor leagues, all of that. They all accumulate to that moment and a special day.