HOUSTON -- There was a bit more hustle and bustle at City Hall than there normally would be on a Tuesday afternoon, but that's what happens when a Houston legend makes an appearance in front of a roomful of citizens and fans.

Tuesday was declared "Jeff Bagwell Day" by Mayor Bill White, who presented Bagwell and his wife, Ericka, with an official proclamation before a packed room at the City Council Chamber at City Hall.

"He's been a darned good baseball player," Councilwoman Carol Alvarado said. "But he's also been great to this city. We've seen players come and go, but Jeff Bagwell stayed here."

Bagwell, through a foundation he began several years ago, also made a donation of $25,000 to Rapid Re-Housing for the homeless.

"Our home over here at Minute Maid [Park], you can't help but notice the homeless," Bagwell said. "That's something that's a concern throughout the country. The Mayor's taken an aggressive stand to bring some good things to those people. That's important because this is our city."

And it will continue to be the city Bagwell calls home. The Connecticut native toyed with the idea of moving to San Diego, but he and his family will keep their roots in Houston.

"We're not leaving the city of Houston," Bagwell said. "We're staying here for years to come. This is where we'll watch our kids grow up."

Bagwell grew reflective as he looked at the official framed proclamation bearing his name.

"I've been in Houston 16 years, and to have a proclamation of your day is pretty special," Bagwell said. "I've had a ton of things happen in that amount of time that I've been here. It's blown me away to see the reaction of the Council, of fans, of the Astros, that the time that you spent here actually meant something to people. That's very gratifying."