Legendary New Jersey Teacher Sandy Mangarella Loves the Houston Astros!

For Sandy Mangarella, teaching is a 24/7 labor of love and a mission to educate and spread smiles. Not surprisingly, the Union High School English teacher has won numerous awards and accolades over her 43-year career. Just last week, the Rotary Club of Union NJ honored her for her efforts. (TAPinto Union article on Sandy: Union Rotary Honors Two with Excellence in Education Award | Union, NJ News TAPinto | TAPinto). Outside the classroom, Sandy is a devoted a Houston Astros fan. Sandy took a few moments away from inspiring young minds and grading to discuss the Astros, Bruce versus Bon Jovi, pizza and some other miscellaneous topics.

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

Teaching was never easy, but now phones make it that much more difficult. What's your phone policy? 

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

Our school district has a no-cell-phone policy in classrooms, which I generally support. However, as any good teacher knows, flexibility is key. In my screenwriting class, for example, streaming platforms like Netflix are blocked on school devices. So, when students need to analyze a film or TV show to compare it to their own screenplay drafts, I occasionally allow them to use their phones for that specific purpose. It’s always structured and intentional — never a free-for-all. The goal is to keep technology as a tool, not a distraction. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

How did you start following the Houston Astros? What's special about this franchise?

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

I started following the Astros when I moved to Houston in 1980 to be with my boyfriend —who later became my husband. We were both avid baseball fans, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the team, the Astrodome, and later Minute Maid Park. I had grown up a diehard Mets fan in New Jersey — Rusty Staub was my childhood hero — so I shocked myself in 1986 when I found myself screaming at the TV for the Astros to maim the Mets. That’s when I knew I had officially switched allegiances. We couldn't always afford to go to games, but when we could, we soaked in the atmosphere. Houston was all things Astro back then — Astroturf, Astroworld and a real sense of community around the team.

STADIUM JOURNEY:

What was it like to attend a game at the Dome? What did you love about it? Was it ventilated?

SANDY MANGARELLA:

I absolutely loved attending games at the Astrodome. Living in Houston felt like walking through a cloud most days — 99% humidity practically year-round. When I moved back to New Jersey, I actually had to start putting oil on my face because I never had to worry about dry skin or aging in Houston, LOL. The Dome was paradise in comparison. It was fully air-conditioned — after all, Houston might just be the most air-conditioned city in the country. The atmosphere inside was always comfortable, and the acoustics were fantastic. One of my favorite things was the scoreboard. It was something special, and when the team moved to a new stadium, it just wasn’t the same. I have lots of photos somewhere in my storage – sorry I don’t have any to share. The Astrodome also gave the world astroturf — an innovation in itself. And those old Astros uniforms? The bold orange, blue, and white were astronomical — literally. The Astros name and theme were inspired by the nearby space center where astronauts train, which made the whole experience feel bigger than baseball. Going to games there with my husband was pure joy. Those are memories I’ll never forget. I’m also glad the Dome still stands today, right next to the football stadium. And beyond baseball, I loved attending the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Dome. It was a whole other kind of fun. So many great memories, all tied to one incredible place. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

Have you attended lots of games? What's your favorite Astros memory? 

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

We went to as many Astros games as we could afford, and each one felt special. One of my all-time favorite memories was at Minute Maid Park — though it’s gone through a few name changes since then — when I witnessed a grand slam home run. That had been a bucket-list moment for me as a fan, and I was absolutely ecstatic. Another standout memory was during my first year reading AP Literature exams for the College Board in Kansas City. The Astros were playing the Royals, and I couldn’t believe my luck. I rallied some fellow readers to come with me. We had a blast, and I got to share my Astros fandom with a whole new group. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

Advice. Advice. Advice. Someone has a weekend in Houston. What spots should they hit?

SANDY MANGARELLA:

There’s so much to do in Houston; it’s hard to know where to begin. For something really unique, visit the Orange Show — a whimsical folk-art monument built by a retired mailman obsessed with oranges. Nearby, you’ll find other creative landmarks like the Flower Man’s House and the Beer Can House, both unforgettable. In Montrose, you can shop for vintage clothes and quirky finds, or head downtown and explore the underground tunnel system —built to beat the Texas heat — and full of hidden gems you won’t see above ground. Houston's museum district is a must, especially the Museum of Natural Science with its stunning Butterfly Center, the incredible art museums, and the powerful Holocaust Museum. The Houston Zoo is another favorite of mine. And the food — don’t leave without indulging. Goode Company Seafood makes a flounder po’ boy with homemade sauce that I still dream about. Their barbecue is equally amazing — smoked brisket on freshly baked rolls. For more seafood, head to the Kemah Boardwalk, where you can eat fresh off the dock or dine inside the Aquarium restaurant. There’s one there and another downtown. If you’re up for a drive, go east to see alligators in the bayou, or head west to Brenham for Blue Bell Creamery, which has the best ice cream ever, and nearby Chappell Hill, which hosts charming festivals like the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow festivals. Houston is packed with surprises, culture, and flavor. You’ll never run out of things to do. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

Now that you're in Jersey, do you still get a chance to see the Astros play? Do you attend games for other baseball teams, or are you strictly Astros? 

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

I haven’t had the chance to see the Astros play since moving to New Jersey. I’m not particularly fond of going into New York City, so I don’t make it out to Yankees or Mets games. When I visit Houston, that’s when I reconnect with my ‘Stros. That’s where I feel most at home cheering them on. There's just something special about watching them in their city. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

Since you're in Jersey, who do you lean towards – The Boss or Jovi? Neither?

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

It’s hard to choose. When I was a freshman in college, a guy asked me to a concert — he had waited all night in line to get tickets for Bruce Springsteen. I had no idea who Springsteen was at the time, but we sat in the third row, and when he sang “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” I was completely swept away. I felt like he was singing just to me. Instant love.  At the same time, I have a soft spot for Bon Jovi. I did my student teaching in Sayreville while he was in high school — though I was teaching in the junior high — and one of my former students was actually friends with him. So, I have connections to both. That said, I do miss the days when artists just sang. Bruce has gotten a little too political for me lately. I’d rather not know my musical heroes’ political views — I just want the music. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

Which does Jersey do better — bagels, pizza, or ice cream? 

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

Bagels just aren’t what they used to be. They’ve gotten too doughy, and I’ve honestly lost my love for them. But pizza — that’s a different story. You can’t go wrong with Esposito’s in Matawan, especially their sesame seed crust. They’ve got another location down the shore, and both are worth the trip. As for ice cream, I’m a soft-serve fan through and through. When I lived in Morris Plains, Denville Creamery had the best homemade ice cream I’ve ever tasted. It’s still my gold standard. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

So you were quite a twirler back in the day. How did this come about? How did you get so good? Are you still twirling?  

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

I followed my best friend to twirling tryouts in high school. It turned out to be the hardest and best thing I ever did. There was a three-month clinic to learn how to twirl, and most of the girls already had experience. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined. My parents’ living room ceiling still bears the marks from all the times I tossed that baton into the air, and I left a few dents in the high school hallways too. When I found out I made the team, I did cartwheels through the school halls. I had beaten out girls who had experience. Not only did I make the team — I eventually became co-captain. I even won the school’s Tigger Award for being “bouncy, flouncy, fun fun fun fun fun!” Twirling was my world back then—from parades to halftime shows to competitions — and I loved every second of it. 

STADIUM JOURNEY:  You have a special relationship with the Union High School basketball team. Please discuss. Do you attend lots of Union High School sporting events? 

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

I have a special relationship with my students, and that naturally extends to those involved in sports. I’ve been recognized by both the basketball team and the girls’ softball team —specific students have made it a point to acknowledge my support. They know I cheer them on, even if I’m not always in the stands. I’ve even made a few lighthearted “bets” with them. If they accomplish something big in their sport, I’ll reward them in class. Lots of smiles all around. That said, I don’t get to attend many games because my teaching load is intense. I usually teach five or six different classes and grade a mountain of essays. But they know my support is always there, and I celebrate their wins in my own way. 

STADIUM JOURNEY: 

You enjoy travelling. When you're on the road, what do you like to do? 

SANDY MANGARELLA: 

Last summer, my sister took me to France. I didn’t fall in love with Paris, surprisingly — but the countryside completely stole my heart. I think that’s one of the biggest changes in how I travel since COVID — I’m more drawn to quieter, more grounded places. As an Anglophile, I’ve explored all of Great Britain and Ireland, but Scotland is my favorite. There’s just something about the castles, the golf courses, and yes — the scotch — that speaks to me. I’ve been to Iceland in hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis, no luck, sadly, and to Spain —because, well, it’s Spain. I also love being in Texas whenever I can. I can’t quite explain it, but it just feels right when I’m there. And next summer, my sister is planning a trip for us to South Korea. I’m a huge fan of K-beauty and K-dramas, so that will be a dream come true. I only wish my husband and I had gotten the chance to travel more together while he was still alive. But I carry him with me wherever I go.

Jon Hart is @manversusball