The Story Behind Mattress Mack's Iconic Houston Astros T-Shirts

The Story Behind Mattress Mack's Iconic Astros Shirts

If you've followed the Houston Astros during their recent World Series runs, you've likely seen the familiar face of superfan Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale sitting behind home plate. Mattress Mack is known for his outgoing personality and over-the-top support of the Astros, which often involves him wearing custom t-shirts referencing the team.

During the Astros' 2022 World Series run, Mattress Mack's shirts went viral on social media. They featured creative phrases like "Houston Won This Game" and "Hey Philly - That's What I'm Talkin' Bout!" in reference to the team's opponents, the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Origins of Mattress Mack's Shirts

Mattress Mack has been commissioning these special Astros shirts for years. It started during the 2019 playoffs when he worked with a local printing company to design shirts celebrating the team's success. Some of his first viral shirts said things like "Houston vs. Everybody" and "Astros Got This."

The shirts are a way for Mattress Mack to display his team pride and rally fan support during big games. As an iconic superfan, he takes it upon himself to represent the voice of Astros nation.

Mattress Mack's Ritual

Wearing the special shirts has become a ritual for Mattress Mack during Astros playoff runs. He works with designers to come up with creative new phrases throughout the postseason. Before big games, he can be seen walking around the stadium in the latest design.

Fans now look forward to seeing which shirt Mattress Mack will wear next. It's one of the many things that makes playoff baseball in Houston so exciting. The shirts set the tone and get fans pumped up for the action on the field.

Viral Sensations

In the age of social media, Mattress Mack's shirts go viral every postseason. Fans share photos of them online and start modifying them with their own phrases. They become online memes celebrated by Astros fans and hated by rivals.

Some of the most popular designs over the years include:

• "Houston vs. Hateers" (2019)
• "Houston Astros Got This" (2019)
• "Houston Won This Game" (2022)
• "Philly - You're Next" (2022)

The shirts resonate because they encapsulate the spirit of each playoff series in a simple, crowdsourced slogan. Mattress Mack has a knack for finding phrases that stick in the minds of fans.

Where to Buy the Shirts

For those wanting their own Mattress Mack Astros shirt, many designs are available for purchase online. The superfan partners with CustomInk.com to mass produce and sell most of his designs after they gain popularity.

Fans can also sometimes find shirts for sale outside of Minute Maid Park in Houston during home playoff games. Street vendors capitalize on the viral designs to make their own prints.

There are also plenty of knockoff shirts available on sites like eBay and Etsy. Fan-made derivatives allow people to get creative with their own versions of the iconic designs.

Philanthropic Endeavors

An underrated aspect of Mattress Mack's shirts is that they also raise money for charity. All the proceeds from official shirt sales go to Mattress Mack's various philanthropic endeavors.

This includes his work with organizations like Crime Stoppers Houston, the Astros Foundation, and his own Mack Matters Initiative for the community. The viral shirts allow Mattress Mack to increase awareness and give back to causes he cares about.

A Signature Look

Astros fans can always count on Mattress Mack shirts to be part of the playoff experience in Houston. The superfan has built his signature look around wearing new custom designs throughout October.

It adds to the fun and gives fans something to look forward to as the Astros progress further into the postseason. Mattress Mack feels the momentum of each series and chooses phrases to match the energy.

Love them or hate them, it's clear the shirts have become a legendary part of Astros playoff lore. They represent the passion of Houston fans and their rallying cry behind the team. Mattress Mack's tradition is sure to continue for World Series runs to come.

Mattress Mack Shirts FAQs

Who is Mattress Mack?

Mattress Mack is the nickname of Jim McIngvale, a well-known superfan and furniture store owner in Houston, Texas. He is famous for sitting behind home plate at Astros games wearing custom shirts supporting the team.

When did Mattress Mack's shirt tradition start?

Mattress Mack started wearing special shirts during the Astros' 2019 playoff run. His first viral designs said "Houston vs. Everybody" and "Astros Got This."

Where can I buy Mattress Mack's shirts?

Many of Mattress Mack's official shirt designs are available online at CustomInk.com. There are also knockoffs sold by street vendors in Houston and fan-made derivatives on sites like eBay and Etsy.

What does Mattress Mack do with the proceeds from shirt sales?

All proceeds from official Mattress Mack Astros shirts go to his philanthropic initiatives like Crime Stoppers Houston, the Astros Foundation, and the Mack Matters community program.

Why did the shirts go viral?

Fans love Mattress Mack's shirts because they perfectly encapsulate the energy behind each Astros playoff run. The unique phrases become viral memes celebrated by Houston fans and hated by rivals.

FAQs

What are some of Mattress Mack's most famous shirt designs?

Some of his most iconic shirts include "Houston vs. Everybody" (2019), "Houston Astros Got This" (2019), "Houston Won This Game" (2022), and "Philly - You're Next" (2022).

How does Mattress Mack come up with the phrases for his shirts?

He works with designers to brainstorm ideas that encapsulate the energy of each playoff series. The phrases are meant to rally Astros fans and get in the heads of their opponents.

Does Mattress Mack wear a new shirt every game?

He debuts a new design for most playoff games, especially important home games. Fans look forward to seeing which new phrase he comes up with next.

What is Mattress Mack's full name?

His full name is James Franklin McIngvale. He got the nickname "Mattress Mack" from his chain of furniture stores called Gallery Furniture.

How can I suggest a design for Mattress Mack's next shirt?

Mattress Mack occasionally crowdsources ideas from fans on social media leading up to big games. Share your suggestion on Twitter and tag @MattressMack to pitch your phrase!