Editor’s Note: This article has been edited to correctly reflect José Altuve’s reported involvement in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. The previous edition of this article incorrectly positioned Altuve as perceived to be a key figure because of public perception. We apologize for this error.
The original story begins below:
There’s no love lost between José Altuve and 29 other opposing fanbases across Major League Baseball.
Though never directly linked to masterminding the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scheme, the All-Star second baseman has been directly implicated in the eyes of opposing fans. That onus was on Carlos Beltrán, who reportedly played a crucial role in devising the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme. This involved using a camera in center field to relay signs seen on a video monitor near the dugout. Players and staff then signaled the upcoming pitch to batters in real-time by banging on a trashcan.
And despite drawing the ire of fanbases across the country, no concrete proof directly implicates the 34-year-old Altuve in this. According to Andy Martino’s book Cheated: The Inside Story of the Astros Scandal and a Colorful History of Sign Stealing, it was revealed during MLB’s investigation that Astros players told investigators Altuve actively opposed receiving stolen signs. They reported he “didn’t want the pitches” and even “would sometimes become angry when teammates gave them during his at-bats.”
Yep. And when Altuve would hear a bang he would glare into the dugout. Teammates would look at one another and say “he doesn’t want it!” https://t.co/eNIMduSPGU
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) June 8, 2021
And even though that’s been made public in the fallout, the vitriol directed at Altuve persists, not only tarnishing his own reputation but also the perception of his team across Major League Baseball and its fans.
And that carried into this past weekend’s series against the Minnesota Twins. In the top of the eighth inning of Friday’s 13-12 win, Altuve was hit in the hands and was forced to exit the game. The 34-year-old was held out of action Saturday but returned for Sunday’s series finale and went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
In the video below, you can make out some cheers coming from the crowd when Altuve was hit by the pitch. It’s important to note that the extent of Altuve’s injury was unknown at the time, and the Astros were in a close game, leading 7-5 in the top of the eighth inning when he had to be removed.
It’s also important to note that this isn’t the first time this has happened.
Regardless, it didn’t sit well with Houston radio host Sean Pendergast, who made it known with a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) postgame. The co-host of Payne & Pendergast on SportsRadio 610 took on all of Minnesota as he shared some scathing remarks for non-Astros fans who choose to boo Altuve.
“Here’s my thing, and this is a PSA for all you non-Astros fans out there,” he began. “When José Altuve gets beaned by a pitch — I don’t care if you boo José Altuve when he comes to the plate. I actually encourage you to do that because he hits better when you do. When he gets hit on the wrist or the face, or wherever the f*ck he got hit by, and you cheer, you’re a f*cking a**hole.
“And so, here’s the thing. There were Twins fans out here in the bleachers — in these very bleachers — who cheered when José Altuve got hit. And I looked at him. I glared at them, and they glared back. The Astros proceeded to score monumental runs on top of what they had — seven runs. And I kept looking…It turned into glaring for them and laughing for me. When (Manuel) Margot dropped that fly ball, I literally rolled around on the ground and laughed because the Twins are a pathetic poser of a team.
“…If you’re gonna cheer when Altuve gets hit, just stay for the rest of the game. That’s all I ask. Stay for the rest of the game, regardless of what the score is. Stay for the rest of the game. If you leave, you’re a chump. You’re f*cking chump. And this whole set of fans right here, empty seats that once held thousands of chumps. Thanks for having us, Minnesota.”
Pendergast found it interesting that Twins fans harbor such hate for Altuve, considering Carlos Correa is one of their premier offensive players, but that’s beside the point here.
Ultimately, the Twins and their fans would get the last laugh. They made Pendergast and his Astros sweat out a 13-12 victory after entering the ninth inning with an 8-run lead. And then they parlayed that into consecutive victories, which included a walk-off win on Sunday.
Pendergast has a point about fans cheering when an opposing player, regardless of past actions, gets hurt. It’s a basic sportsmanship principle to hope for the safety of all players on the field. At the same time, the depth of animosity towards Altuve reflects the lasting impact of the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. But that animosity seems misplaced considering the reporting that has reflected Altuve’s involvement, or rather, lack thereof.
But that’s been cast aside, as a portion of fanbases across the nation feel their enjoyment of the game was tainted, and their frustration with Altuve continues to simmer.
That’s not to say that booing a player who gets hit or hurt is justified; it’s not. But the intensity of the reaction toward Altuve underscores how deeply the scandal has continued to affect baseball fans’ feelings toward the Astros.
But it boggles the mind of Astros’ fans as to why Altuve has been cast as the public face of the team’s sign-stealing scandal in the eyes of opposing fans and the general public. With evidence suggesting otherwise, it’s understandable why frustration has boiled over from the Astros’ faithful, who feel as if their star player has been unfairly targeted for far too long.
At the same time, we shouldn’t expect other opposing fanbases to change how they feel. Altuve will be continued to boo anywhere he goes, just as Pendergast’s point resonates. While opposing fanbases likely won’t soften their stance, Altuve’s continued boos might be the soundtrack to a Hall of Fame career, as they seemingly continue to fuel his impressive statistics.