If Richmond-area baseball fans are looking for a “hometown hero,” the Houston Astros offer two choices.

Houston manager Dusty Baker played parts of three seasons for the Richmond Braves, and Astros ace Justin Verlander hails from Goochland High School and Old Dominion University.

Baker played outfield for Richmond from 1969 to 1971 when the local pros played at Parker Field. His Black teammates included Tommie Aaron, Ralph Garr, Oscar Brown, Leo Foster, Bob Chance and Julio Navarro, all of whom went on to play in the big leagues.

Verlander, who figures to start the Series opener Friday, will be a certain Hall of Fame inductee in the future. The right-hander ranks with the greatest pitchers of his era.

To reach baseball’s summit, Houston won the American League West in regular season, then trounced Seattle (3-0) and the New York Yankees (4-0) in playoffs.

After finishing just third in the National League East, the Phillies have defeated St. Louis (2-0), Atlanta (4-1) and San Diego (4-1) in the postseason.

The Phillies have won two World Series crowns, in 1980 and 2008. Houston’s only Series title came in 2017.