The Houston Astros cheating scandal, which was uncovered in 2019, sent shockwaves through the world of baseball.
The Astros were found to have used an illegal sign-stealing scheme during the 2017 season, in which they won the World Series. The scheme involved using a camera system to capture opposing teams' signs, which were then relayed to the Astros' batters through a system of trash can banging.
One of the key players on the Astros during the 2017 season was Jose Altuve, a six-time All-Star, three-time batting champion and former American League Most Valuable Player. Altuve was a central figure in the Astros' success during the season, but he was also implicated in the Astros cheating scandal.
According to the investigation by Major League Baseball, Altuve was aware of the Astros cheating scandal and benefited from it. He was one of the players who had the most at-bats during the 2017 season, and it's believed that he received a significant advantage from the illegal scheme.
Did Astros cheating scandal affect Jose Altuve's career?
There were allegations that Altuve wore a buzzer under his jersey during the 2019 postseason to receive signals about pitches. These allegations were never proven, though, but they added to the controversy surrounding the Astros cheating scandal.
Also read: Houston Astors cleared of wrongdoing in 2020
The Astros cheating scandal had a massive impact on Altuve's reputation and career. While he was not directly disciplined by the MLB, he faced intense criticism and scrutiny from fans and the media. Many baseball fans felt that he tarnished his legacy as a talented and respected player by participating in an illegal scheme that threatened the integrity of the game.
Despite the scandal, Altuve has continued to perform at a high level and remains one of the game's top players. He has won multiple awards and accolades since the Astros cheating scandal, including a Silver Slugger award in 2019 and Gold Glove award in 2020. However, the scandal will likely always be a part of his legacy and may impact his chances of being inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in the future.
The Astros cheating scandal is a stark reminder of the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in baseball.
Cheating has no place in the sport, and the scandal showed that it can have serious consequences for the individuals involved and for the game as a whole. While Altuve and other players involved in the Astros cheating scandal have faced criticism, it's important to remember that they're human beings who made mistakes.
The scandal should serve as a wake-up call to the sport and encourage a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play.