A division rivalry didn't stop the Houston Astros from making life easier for a pitcher heading down to Los Angeles for the All-Star Game.
Oakland Athletics right-hander Paul Blackburn traveled to the Midsummer Classic on the Astros' chartered plane after Houston discovered he was going to fly commercial.
"They made me feel very welcomed and comfortable. ... It was fun," Blackburn told Mark Berman of Fox 26. "I was asked if I wanted to fly with them, and I said yeah. If (Astros and American League All-Star manager) Dusty (Baker) would allow that, then yeah, of course.
"It shows within baseball, it's like a brotherhood. Everyone respects each other. ... I'm greatly appreciative of their organization."
The event is Blackburn's first All-Star Game. He's the only member of the Athletics at the contest.
