Jose Altuve bleeds orange and blue as a true Astro at heart. Since his MLB debut in 2011, he has stood by his team and has been with them through the long, winding road of ups and downs. From witnessing the team rise up from the ashes last season when they won the World Series, to feeling the raw energy pulsating through the stadium in that unforgettable moment of victory. Houston Astros is not just a team to him, it’s an unmistakable part of his heart. 

But now, the second baseman is taking his talents to the international stage as he joins the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic. And fate has an interesting way of presenting itself. In a collision of his past and present, the Venezuelan team will face the Houston Astros in an exhibition game. 

How did fans react to Jose Altuve donning another jersey? 

In just a few hours, Jose Altuve will be donning a new jersey and playing against the Houston Astros. The ballpark of the Palm Beaches is about to witness a showdown between the athlete’s adopted home and his true roots. 

Upon hearing the news some fans went into a state of panic, wondering if they’d lost the fan-favorite to a mystery team but fear not, because no he hasn’t traded in his Houston Astros jersey for a new one but would rather just don the colors of his nation for a few weeks and play an exhibition match as a part of the WBC team. 

For others, the thought of seeing Altuve in another jersey is just too much to bear. There are those who are resorting to exaggerated humor – fainting GIFs and jokes about hitting a home run off his own team are flying around. 

READ MORE: Houston Astros Veteran Jose Altuve Makes His Retirement Wish Aged 32: “I Think We Are On the Same Page”

It’s a rare sight to see a player go up against his own team, but one thing is clear – Altuve is playing to win! 

Houston Astros star in the World Baseball Classic

For Jose Altuve, the World Baseball Classic is not just another tournament, it’s a realization of his childhood dream. “It’s always a dream for me and for every single Venezuelan kid, Dominican kid, Puerto Rican, American to represent their country. I’m really excited, and it’s going to bring a lot of memories.” Altuve last played for team Venezuela during the 2017 World Baseball Classic and is ready to attain his dream yet again.  

But he won’t be alone on his journey. He’ll be joining an excellent lineup including All-Star Ronald Acuna Jr., from the Atlanta Braves. Alongside him will be Gleyber Torres, second baseman of the New York Yankees, as well as Miguel Cabrera, the designated hitter of the team as well as many others. And as destiny would have it, the man in the dugout will be none other than Houston Astros coach Omar Lopez. This chapter would certainly be a delight for Altuve, as he finds himself playing under the guidance of his own coach! 

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