Black Ties and Baseball Caps: another Astros Wives Gala in the books.

The 21st Houston Astros Wives Gala Thursday night at Minute Maid Park was again a rousing success, raising thousands of dollars for the Houston Area Women’s Center. The tradition began with Patty Biggio and Nancy Caminiti co-chairing the very first gala in 1990, and since then, the HAWC — an organization that provides shelter and protection for battered women and children — has raised, without exaggeration, millions.

Kudos to the Astros players and coaches who provided a nearly 100 percent attendance record for one of the most important off-the-field events the Astros hold every year. Co-chaired by Morgan Keppinger and Heather Byrdak, the gala was a lively place as players mixed and mingled with patrons while some fantastic items flew off the proverbial shelves during the silent and live auctions.

Enjoy the images…

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Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.

Geoff Blum and Jason Michaels…

…and their better halves, Kory Blum and Pamela Michaels.

Jason Bourgeois and his date, Nyisha.

Gustavo Chacin and his wife.

Chris Johnson and his date, Blakely.

Drayton McLane and Brad Mills.

Jeff and Kerry Fulchino.

The Keppingers and Byrdaks.

Matt Lindstrom, Craig Biggio.

Brandon and Sara Lyon.

Gari and Bobby Meacham

Ronda and Brad Mills.

Morgan Keppinger.

Hunter Pence.

Michelle and Humberto Quintero.

Michael Bourn jersey up for bid in the silent auction.

Wives group photo, part one.

Wives group photo, part two.