When the Houston Astros clinched their first World Series title in 2017, the victory was celebrated as a significant milestone for the city still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. However, years later, the legacy of that championship has been clouded by revelations of a sign-stealing scandal that involved the team using a television monitor near the dugout to decode opposing pitchers’ signals and then relaying the information to batters by banging on trash cans. An investigation by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that this scheme was not only refined during the regular season but persisted throughout the postseason, stirring widespread outrage across the league.
Among those affected by the scandal was Kiké Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost to the Astros in the 2017 World Series. The Dodgers, whose city had gone nearly three decades without a championship, voiced strong condemnation of the Astros’ conduct. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously called for the championship to be awarded to the Dodgers retroactively, although the players themselves rejected the notion, emphasizing that a legitimate title comes with the full celebration — from clubhouse festivities to a parade. Still, key Dodgers players maintained that the Astros had effectively “stolen” the championship. Cody Bellinger remarked, “They cheated,” while Hernández stated plainly, “They got away with it. They got a ring out of it.”
The scandal also affected fan sentiment during the 2020 season when the Astros returned to Dodger Stadium amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With ballparks closed to fans, supporters gathered outside to express their displeasure as players including Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Lance McCullers Jr. arrived. The episode underscored the deep fissures left by the cheating revelations.
For Kiké Hernández, who has experienced baseball both as a fan and a professional player, the scandal has underscored the importance of subtle, legitimate advantages in the game. He expressed that knowing every pitch in advance was a far greater unfair edge than facing players who use performance-enhancing drugs. Reflecting on the 2017 Astros team, Hernández acknowledged that, despite their misconduct, he still holds a measure of respect for what they accomplished, especially given the team’s impact on their city following Harvey’s devastation. “That team will always have a special place in my heart,” Hernández said.
The Astros’ tainted title contrasts with the aspirations of other teams still seeking their first championships. Hernández’s current team, the Milwaukee Brewers, who have not appeared in the World Series in 44 years, are aiming to bring a title to their city. Owner Mark Attanasio acknowledges the weight of history and the anxious impatience of fans, who fear another long wait if victory proves elusive.
Hernández’s perspective on the scandal has evolved since the initial fallout. While he admitted the revelation had “maybe a little bit” changed his feelings about the Astros, he stressed the importance of focusing on the present and future. Now, with his experience inside the game, he recognizes the myriad small details that separate champions from contenders — from flawless defensive plays to simply getting a ball to bounce just right during a critical moment.
In the end, the Astros’ scandal remains a cautionary tale about the fine line between competitive edge and unfair play in professional baseball, resonating deeply with players and fans alike.