Astros: Jose Altuve Continues to Make Postseason History

Considering the state of the starting pitching, things were looking mighty bleak for the Houston Astros going into Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. After a solid set of innings from Zack Greinke and the rest of the Astros’ relievers , it was the offense that needed a spark to keep hope of returning the series to Houston alive. Enter, Jose Altuve.

With the Astros losing 2-1 to Boston, Altuve steps into the box against Boston Red Sox fireman, Garrett Whitlock, in the top of the eighth inning. Like Altuve has done so many times in his career, he jumped on the first pitch he saw, a 96.1 MPH two-seam fastball left over the heart of the plate.

He smashed the ball over the Green Monster in left field to tie the game. Altuve absolutely tattooed the ball, clocking in at a 107.9 mph exit velocity. If it weren’t for a conveniently placed billboard, the ball would likely still be in orbit somewhere.

It was Altuve’s 21st career postseason home run, second home run of this postseason. It puts him in sole possession of third place all-time, passing New York Yankees legend, Derek Jeter.

All-Time Postseason Home Run Leaders as of Oct. 20, 2021:

1. Manny Ramirez 29
2. Bernie Williams 22
3. Jose Altuve 21
4. Derek Jeter 20

Altuve could conceivably tie and pass Bernie Williams in this series alone, needing only one home run to tie and one more to take possession of second place all-time. He would have some work to do in order to catch Manny Ramirez, who is sitting firmly in first all-time with 29 career postseason bombs.

The Astros core should be competitive for a few more years, making Altuve’s chance at catching Ramirez a reality. Busy leading the Astros through their fifth-straight ALCS, records like these are probably the last thing Altuve is focused on right now.

However, for the rest of the baseball world, this record only solidifies what Astros fans have been preaching for years now. Altuve is an all-time great.