A Tarnished Legacy 2017 Astros Cheating Scandal PDF

Author’s Purpose & Perspective Name: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ 880L A Tarnished Legacy In 2017, the Houston Astros impressed the world and became World Series Champions. Two years later, their legacy is tarnished. In November of 2...

Author’s Purpose & Perspective Name: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ 880L A Tarnished Legacy In 2017, the Houston Astros impressed the world and became World Series Champions. Two years later, their legacy is tarnished. In November of 2019, two reporters published a report that explained how the team had cheated during their World Championship Season. The team installed a camera in the outfield that was trained on the catcher of the opposing teams. That camera led to a video feed just outside the Astros' dugout, where team personnel would watch and decode the catchers' signs. This is known as sign-stealing, and it's against the rules. Then, the team would bang on trash cans loudly to signal to Astros hitters what type of pitch was coming. They did this all season, including during the World Series. Astros pitcher, Lance McCullers, throws the ball during a game from the 2017 season. Major League Baseball investigated this and found that the Astros were guilty of cheating. They didn't take away their championship title but were given several major penalties. Manager A.J. Hinch and General Manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for the 2020 season, and the Astros' owner later fired them both. The MLB also took the Astros' first and second round draft picks for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The team was further fined $5 million. While some think the punishment was harsh, others say it's not enough. Have other teams tried to cheat the system? Probably. But the message here is clear. If you must cheat to win, you aren't really a winner. The Astros should accept any punishment they are given. ©Julie Bochese