“Just Sign The Kid, He Wants A Chance” – Houston Astros Scout Recounts How Jose Altuve Was Signed

For most true sports fans, the beginning of a story is more enticing than the end. Where an athlete made his name is infinitely more important to his story than when he won the title. Fortunately for Jose Altuve, there isn’t a difference between the two teams. Signing for the Houston Astros in 2007, Altuve had an interesting story before he ever made it onto the diamond for the Astros. And Al Pedrique, a scout for the Astros, was more than happy to share.

Jose Altuve is a World Series Champion with the Houston Astros winning in 2017 with the franchise, but he was a success story long being built. Having been signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007, Altuve wouldn’t make his debut in the Major Leagues till 2011; but once he did, he was here to stay. The 2nd baseman was a key part of the Astros rotation that went on to win the World Series, and the story of how he started is perhaps just as intriguing.

Al Pedrigue brings Jose Altuve into the fold

Alfredo ‘Al’ Pedrique has been a baseball scout for 41 years, and he spotted something special in Altuve from the day they first met. Recounting the day, Pedrique remembers that Altuve was a part of a group of 25 players that he met. And just looking at him, Pedrique remembers thinking to himself, “This kid better hit the ball well.”

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And soon enough, Pedrique had a whiff of the confidence that makes Altuve hit with power. Pedrique remembers Altuve saying to him, “I’m going to show you what I can do.”

And by the second day, Altuve had him convinced. Pedrique recounts, “You know this kid can handle the bat; I’m impressed with the power”. 

However, Pedrique was still concerned about Altuve’s height. With the hitter being 5-4, 5-5; Pedrique recounts, “Back then the Astros didn’t want to sign any small players.” 

And even if an uphill process at the time, Pedrique knew that Altuve was someone he wanted onboard. The scout even went as far as lying about Altuve’s height to then-GM Tim Purpura claiming that the kid was “5-7, 5-8 I can’t remember”only for Purpura to call the bluff from a week ago when Pedrique had told them Altuve’s real height.

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However, Pedrique won over Purpura and Altuve signed on with the Astros. Said Pedrique, “Just sign the kid. He wants a chance to play baseball.” 

And the rest as they say is history. But what do you think? Would you have signed Altuve if given the chance?