The Houston Astros World Series banner is seen Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston. The Astros face the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow.
Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman warms up during batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve warms up during batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox.
Stadium workers paint the logo on the field Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
The Houston Astros World Series banner is seen Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston. The Astros face the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow.
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. listens to a question during a news conference Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman sits in the dugout during batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez warms up during batting practice before Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton watches during batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves take batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman smiles during batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series tomorrow against the Houston Astros.
HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman whipped the ball around during a crisp infield drill, then came together for a group hug near second base after finishing up Monday.
High above the diamond at Minute Maid Park, the sun gleamed off an oversized banner attached to a light tower.
“World Series Champions,” it said, along with “17″ and the Astros logo. And it was solid gold.
Nope, no tarnish on that tribute. Not here in Houston, anyway.
Because if the stain of their sign-stealing scandal on the way to the 2017 crown is hanging over them, the Astros aren’t showing it. Let the rest of the sports world condemn them forever as baseball’s biggest cheaters — they’re focused, they say, on putting another shiny flag on that tower.
“I’m not worried about narratives. I’m not worried about any of that,” Bregman said.
Back in the World Series for the third time in five years, they get that chance starting Tuesday night in Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves.
The Astros are favorites in Las Vegas and cheered at home, but nowhere else.
Heckled, cursed and taunted with fake trash cans at ballparks across the majors all season, the Astros know there’s nothing they can do to change any fan’s mind. The hate directed at them on social media, that’s not going away anytime soon.
