GRABBING THE SPOTLIGHT
Houston Astros star José Altuve hilariously hugs it out in viral fan moment
Oct 21, 2022, 12:13 pm
GRABBING THE SPOTLIGHT
As a World Series champ, perennial All Star (eight, to be exact), American League MVP, Hank Aaron Award winner, and more — not to mention base-stealing wizard and clutch batter — Houston Astros superstar José Altuve knows how to adjust on the fly.
So it's little surprise that the humble hometown hero not only held his composure, but offered a calming presence when a fan stormed the field during the ALCS Game 2 at Minute Maid Park Thursday, October 20.
Just as the 8th inning ended and before the 9th began, the man — sporting a retro Craig Biggio jersey (nicely done) — sprinted across the field to Altuve and gripped him in an adoring embrace.
The Astros second baseman shared his exchange with the zealous fan with CultureMap news partner ABC13:
"He just said, 'We need to win, I spent all my money on this ticket,'" Altuve said. "I said, 'Yes, we're trying to win.'"
When asked if he was willing to take a selfie with the soon-to-be-tackled fan, Altuve actually said he was willing, but that's when security swarmed in and smothered and removed the fan.
Of course, the city can laugh about the moment now was the Astros went on to beat the Yankees 3-2, thanks to a 3-run Breggy Bomb by Alex Bregman and stalwart pitching by Framber Valdez. Fans charging games is common in sports, but can be dangerous to players — and fans — and can lead to prosecution for the offenders as well as being roughed up by security details.
Meanwhile, The 'Stros are two games up as they head to New York for Games 3 and 4, Saturday and Sunday for what Houstonians are hoping is a clean, 4-0 sweep.
Fans catching those games can hit these popular spots that CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler recommends; be sure to arrive decked out in our favorite Astros gear.
Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.
CAM SMITH COMES THROUGH! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/Y6dtPpXF9J
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering (5-3) and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.
Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.
Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.
FULL THROTTLE.
Hunter Brown now leads the MLB in lowest ERA (1.74). #BuiltForFuel pic.twitter.com/nkwT2MpgJQ
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
Bryan Abreu (3-3) struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.
Abreu joined Julia Morales after the game and talked about his impressive performance!
🧹🧹🧹
After the @Astros completed their sweep of the Phillies, @JuliaMorales visited with Bryan Abreu!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/UeOOSNDKwW
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) June 26, 2025
Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.
Smith’s RBI.
Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.
The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.
The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).