Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has never been one to shy away from making a statement, especially when he feels he’s been wronged. In a high-pressure situation during Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, Altuve found himself in a moment that would certainly leave fans talking.
With the score tied 3-3 in the top of the 9th inning and Jeremy Peña standing on second base, Altuve had a golden opportunity to drive in the go-ahead run. The stakes were high, and the Astros were relying on their former AL MVP to deliver.
However, things took a dramatic turn on a 1-1 pitch. Altuve fouled the ball off his foot, but the umpires failed to see it, ruling the ball in play. This missed call resulted in what appeared to be the final out of the inning, much to the frustration of Altuve and the Astros.
Not one to take the injustice lightly, Altuve decided to go above and beyond to make his case. In a moment of defiance, he took off his shoe and sock right there at the plate, pointing to the exact spot where the foul ball had struck his foot. It was an unorthodox, yet passionate plea for the umpires to reconsider their call.
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The sight of a barefoot Altuve in the middle of the field was something no one in the stadium could have predicted. It was an unexpected, yet memorable protest that instantly became the talk of the game. Despite his efforts, the umpires stood by their original decision, and Altuve’s bold move earned him an ejection from the game.
While his actions may not have changed the call on the field, Altuve’s willingness to go to such lengths to prove his point likely endeared him even further to Astros fans. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a player willing to risk it all, even his footwear, in the name of the game?
From now on, fans might have to give him a new nickname: “Shoeless” Joe Altuve.
