GRABBING THE SPOTLIGHT
Houston Astros star José Altuve hilariously hugs it out in viral fan moment
Oct 21, 2022, 12:13 pm
Atltuve really embraced the moment, Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
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.
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Houston Texans fans have been waiting to hear the latest on the status of wide receiver Stefon Diggs after he left Sunday's game with a knee injury.
We received a disappointing update from Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
What makes the season-ending torn ACL worse for Stefon Diggs is that he is on an expiring contract and set to become a free agent this off-season. https://t.co/pVIIy7jEkk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2024
Diggs will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. Fortunately for the Texans, the trade deadline is still a few days away.
If Houston would like to add some depth to the position, Giants WR Darius Slayton would make a lot of sense. He's played well this year (29 rec, 420 yards), and is a free agent after the 2024 season.
So he shouldn't cost too much draft capital if the Texans decide to make a deal.
Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson would have been the obvious choice, but he was just traded to the Ravens.
Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers could be another option. But he's still under contract for the 2025 season, so his price tag may scare off the Texans.
Jets receiver Mike Williams could be under consideration. His role has taken a backseat with the addition of Davante Adams. He has two seasons with over 1,000 yards in his career. He'll be a free agent after the season.
On the low end, Patriots WR KJ Osborn could be another possibility. Osborn is on a one-year deal and only has 7 catches for 57 yards this year.
Osborn recorded over 540 receiving yards in three straight seasons for the Vikings before signing with the Patriots after the 2023 season.
If the Texans decide to hold tight, Nico Collins is expected to return next week for their matchup with the Lions.
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.