When the Venezuelan Jose Altuve is mentioned in the internal audio of the Daikin Parkhouse of the Houston Astrosthe applause does not wait. For many, the second baseman is a future Hall of Fame and being able to see him play is something they appreciate. And many times the shoveler responds with what has been his trademark: the hit.
Children, women, natives and Hispanics wear their jersey with number 27.
With 2,426 hits, nine Star Games and two titles World Seriesthe Venezuelan keeps the focus on the present while his name grows towards Cooperstown. For others, continuing to add hits until breaking the 3,000 barrier is necessary to seal their ticket to the temple of the immortals.
While some see him as an idol and others as part of Houston’s culture, so much so that he has his own day in the city on February 7, the Venezuelan prefers to focus on each shift, each game and each day.
“I believe that as much as the 600 hits that are missing, like the Hall of Fame, are things that I do not think about in the medium or short term, it is already a distant future,” Altuve releases with the same nature, exclusively for DIARIO LAS AMERICASwith which he has connected hits since 2011 in the Major Leagues. “I think the way I like to think is day by day, we have a good team and we reach the play-offs, win year after year and when the time comes, if God allows it, and achieve those feats, I will be happy to do it.”
While Altuve remains submissive to the present, his manager and his teammates already visualize and are grateful – like many fans – to be seeing and sharing with a future Hall of Fame.
“Yes, I honestly think he could be a Hall of Fame. He has a good chance of reaching 3,000 hits. In my opinion, whether or not he reaches that number, any player of that quality, with the longevity he has, and the legacy he has, will always have a good chance of getting in.”, he said. Christian Walker, Astros first baseman and teammate of the Venezuelan for two seasons.
For Joe Espadamanager of the Astros, it is a privilege to manage Altuve. “I have had the opportunity to see him play for the last nine seasons, and as a coach, as a leader, you want to have the privilege of being around a player like that,” said the manager of the Sidereals, who frequently when referring to Altuve highlights the player he is and mentions that he is a future member of the Hall of Fame.
“When you aspire to be a Major League coach, you want to be around the best players there are, and I have had the opportunity, well, to be in that. And for me the most important thing is the human being, not only the great player he is, but the opportunity to know him and be with him and see the impact he has had on the community here in Houston,” added the leader.
But the praise does not come only from his teammates, leaders and followers. His rivals also show him respect. Even if they have to challenge him on the diamond, with their voices they only have good things to say.
“The truth is that obviously one realizes the career he has, the beautiful career he has had, ups and downs like everything, more good than bad, so the truth is that I am very happy for him, my respect for him,” said the Mexican closer of the Seattle Mariners, Andres Munozwho has faced him dozens of times.
“Grateful for being able at some point to have been in the same stadium and in the same game with him. Obviously since we are rivals and when the game starts there is no time to think about any of that (that he may be facing a future Hall of Fame), but off the field the truth is that he is an incredible person and I am grateful, grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be with him,” concluded his challenger and division rival.
While the debate about 3,000 hits and Cooperstown continues to grow, Altuve maintains the same stance as always: focus on competing and helping the Astros win. The numbers and recognitions already place him among the great players of his generation, but inside the clubhouse and off the field there is something that is constantly repeated when talking about the Venezuelan: respect. Teammates, rivals, leaders and fans agree that they are seeing a player who has already left a mark.
Most notable awards and achievements
American League MVP (2017)
2-time World Series champion (2017, 2022)
9 Star Games
7 Silver Bats
1 Golden Glove
3 batting titles in the American League
American League Championship Series MVP (2019)
American League Hank Aaron Award (2017)
