Houston has been force-fed the idea of a rivalry with the Rangers for years. The “Silver Boot” (a trophy awarded to the season series winner each year) was supposed to be the catalyst for that rivalry years ago when interleague play began. The Rangers and Astros, as well as other teams, were lined up with their geographical rival from the other league. This matchup meant that every year, you had to play that “rival” despite which division you were playing that year. It was forced. It was insulting to the fans who cared much more about their inner-division rivals.
Astros: Houston, We Have a Rivalry! The Silver Boot Means so Much More Now
