When MLB legend Reggie Jackson gave Jose Altuve unwavering support in light of Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal

In June 2022, MLB legend Reggie Jackson spoke out for Jose Altuve when he was in an elevator with a group of New York Yankees fans.

One fan was telling his friends how much hatred he had for Altuve when former Yankee Jackson, who serves as a special advisor to the Houston Astros, chimed in.

"He’s my favorite player. You should be quiet," said Mr. October.

Upon recognizing Reggie Jackson. the Bronx Bombers fans fell silent. Jackson was in no mood to stop the conversation there, adding:

"Our (Astros') best player is Altuve,” Jackson said. “And he’s a prince of a guy.”

Altuve's refusal to remove his jersey after hitting a home run in the ALCS in 2019 sparked rumors that he was wearing a buzzer. It also brought into the spotlight the Astros' sign-stealing scandal which surfaced in November 2019.

Jackson made sure to address that issue as well:

"He didn’t even take the signal. Didn’t take ’em, didn’t want ’em."

Jose Altuve is a homegrown Astros star. He made his MLB debut with the team in 2011 and is set to enter his 13th season in 2023.

Here are his career highlights:

8× All-Star (2012, 2014–2018, 2021, 2022)
2× World Series Champion (2017, 2022)
AL MVP (2017)
All-MLB First Team (2022)
All-MLB Second Team (2019)
ALCS MVP (2019)
Babe Ruth Award (2017)
Gold Glove Award (2015)
6× Silver Slugger Award (2014–2018, 2022)
AL Hank Aaron Award (2017)
3× AL Batting Champion (2014, 2016, 2017)
2× AL Stolen Base Leader (2014, 2015)
AP Athlete of the Year (2017)
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2017)

Jose Altuve participated in 2023 World Baseball Classic

The Houston Astros second baseman recently competed in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for his home country, Venezuela. They had a memorable run in the competition but were eventually eliminated by Team USA.

Altuve suffered a fractured right thumb and had to go under the knife. He will not resume baseball activities for at least two months and is set to miss the start of the 2023 MLB campaign.