While years may have passed since the infamous 2017 sign-stealing scandal, for many in the stands, the wound remains fresh. And we think no player embodies that lingering resentment more than Jose Altuve.
From the moment Altuve emerged on the big screen in the series opener against the Dodgers, a cascade of boos rained down from the Dodger faithfuls. A sound that has become all too familiar for the Astros’ star whenever he visits Chavez Ravine. Yet, in classic Altuve fashion, he responded the only way he knew, with his bat!
Amid the taunts, Altuve launched a towering two-run homer to left-center field in the third inning, giving the Astros a 4-1 lead. It was a moment that not only shifted the momentum on the field but also reignited the long-simmering rivalry between Altuve and Dodgers fans.
“JOSE ALTUVE OWNS THE DODGERS AND THERE’S NO AMOUNT OF BOO THAT CAN STOP HIM.” MLB analyst Ben Verlander shared the footage of Altuve launching the homer amid silence in the stadium.
JOSE ALTUVE OWNS THE DODGERS AND THERE’S NO AMOUNT OF BOO’S THAT CAN STOP HIM
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) July 5, 2025
Remember the now-infamous Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal? The Astros installed a video camera in the center field to observe the sign by the opposing catcher. The sign about the next pitch was noted, and it was transferred to the Astros’ dugout, allowing coaches and players to signal their batters about the type of pitch. Now, the issue was blown out of proportion with the Astros’ win in the 2017 World Series against none other than the Dodgers!
Incidentally, Altuve is the last member of the 2017 World Series-winning team who is still playing for the Astros. So, probably this reception at Dodger Stadium was expected!
But for Altuve, letting the bat talk seemed more viable than mouthing.
Well, a hostile stadium atmosphere is nothing new to Altuve. Game 4 of the 2021 ALCS had the same unfriendly environment against Altuve. The Red Sox fans were relentless in their heckling of Altuve and the Astros, still bitter over the 2017 scandal. But the man responded with a clutch solo home run in the eighth inning that tied the game. Eventually, the Astros went on to win 9-2, shifting the momentum of the series.
The Astros’ October dreams are again brimming courtesy of Altuve
The Astros have all the chances to repeat their 2022 campaign this year. Just before the All-Star break, they are now the only third team, after the Dodgers and Tigers, to reach 50 wins this season. All thanks to the boosters by Altuve, Isaac Paredes, Hunter Brown, and Framber Valdez!
Here with Valdez, the Astros have a unique record, winning all 10 games with Valdez on the mound last month. Moreover, Brown, with 126 SOs currently ranked 6th among the league’s best pitchers, and his 1.82 ERA, proves how he means terror to the batters this year.
And above all, it’s the strong offense of the team that is guiding them this year. At the heart of it all? Jose Altuve.
At 35, Altuve has shown no signs of slowing down. With 13 home runs already and countless clutch moments to his name, the veteran second baseman has been a steady drumbeat in Houston’s powerful lineup.
With the team currently topping the division by a 52-35 record, their offensive lineup revolves around Altuve and Paredes. While Paredas is scorching at the batter’s box with a clubhouse-leading 17 homers, Altuve’s leadership has been invaluable.
Now, October dreams are getting brighter by the day, and Altuve’s experience in managing postseason pressure and hostile crowds could be the Astros’ greatest asset.
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