HOUSTON ASTROS

2016 Official Game Day Magazine www.astros.com

LEADING OFF
AROUND THE HORN
WITH GEORGE SPRINGER
By: Elizabeth Devita

When it comes to your defense, youre known as Who are some of the players and coaches who
someone who makes the play no matter what. What have made the strongest impact on your life?
drives you to put your body on the line day in and GS: Besides Torii Hunter as a player, I have coaches
day out? from my home townI mean I could name 100 people
GS: I just believe that if the ball is up in the air, I can go who have helped me become who I am today. On the
get it. Im not scared of a wall. Im not really scared of team, theres Colby. Colby has done a lot for me. He
hurting myself because I understand that you cant play still does every day. Hes a guy I look up to on and off
this game with fear. You just have to go out there and the field.
give it 100 percent every day.
What has been your most memorable baseball
Growing up, you participated in many different moment so far?
sports, including gymnastics. How has your GS: It would probably be the Wild Card Game in New
diverse athletic background influenced your York last year. It was just an unbelievable experience,
baseball career thus far? and Ill never forget that.
GS: I think different sports teach you how to control
your body and how to adapt to certain situations. In all In March, Altuve said, I try to copy the way
sports, you learn about pressure. I believe that shooting [Springer] plays. He has one speed 100 mph.
a free throw is the same as coming up with a big hit in How important is it for you to put forth maximum
the clutch. You learn how to deal with pressure and that effort not just for your own benefit, but for that of
helps you in any sport. your teammates?
GS: Its huge. I understand that Im hitting first and guys
What are some of the most important takeaways will see the way that I play and hopefully want to play
from your time playing ball as a student athlete that speed. Its important to set examples. Jose does a
great job of that. So does Correa and everybody else.
at your parents alma mater, the University of
Connecticut?
Since moving to the leadoff spot, you as an
GS: I learned how to be who I am now. My head coach individual and the Astros as a whole have been on
instilled in us that its about the team first. You go and an upward trend. Did your plate approach change
you work as hard as you can every day and at the end when you started batting leadoff?
of the day, you go home and you relax, and then you
come back and do it all again the next day. GS: It didnt. I always just try to get to first base and, like
I said, just slow down and not do too much because I
know who I have behind me. Just go out there and try
How did growing up with a sports-centric family to get to first base.
help mold your competitive drive?
GS: Oh man, it was awesome. Everything in that Youve switched your walk up song a few times
household was, and still is, extremely competitive. this season. How do you go about picking the
It makes it fun. It makes you want to be the best and perfect song?
carries over to your everyday life. GS: It just depends on the feel that day, I guess. My
girlfriend said I needed to change my song, so I figured
Youve experienced a ton in just three seasons I would add in three. I like the old school stuff, so I went
in the Major Leagues. Looking back, whats old school with it.
something you know now that you would tell your Off the field, you host an annual fundraiser for
rookie self? Success and having fun go hand in hand, but you Camp SAY, a summer camp for kids who stutter.
GS: Slow down. Breathe. Youve been here before. make an extra effort to keep a light mood. In what How do you hope to inspire kids who are going
Slow down, go out there and dont try to do too much. ways is it important to the overall well-being of the through the same challenges you faced?
team to keep having fun?
GS: I just want them to know that they can be whoever
What is the most memorable piece of advice youve GS: This game is hard enough as it is, and if you try to they want to be and can get through it. Ive been there,
gotten in the big leagues? do too much and not have fun, its just going to make Ive experienced what theyre experiencing and I just
it harder. So I like to have fun. Just enjoy what actually want them to know that its OK. You can be whoever
GS: Torii Hunter told me offense will come and go, but is a game and go home at the end of the day and have you want to be and you cant let anything that you cant
defense always stays. some more fun. control stop you.

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 HOUSTON ASTROS
2016 Official Game Day Magazine www.astros.com

LEADING OFF
AROUND THE HORN
WITH JOSE ALTUVE
By: Elizabeth Devita

You won your first Gold Glove Award last year, but they want to be like you. And when I say are watching
have always been known for your offense. What "you" it's not only me, it's all the guys on the field.
does that defensive honor mean to you?
JA: Defense means a lot. Obviously everybody likes Astounding statistics seem to follow you around
to hit - everybody likes to get bags, hit doubles, triples, this season. Do you pay attention to the numbers
home runs. But I think now you win a game by defense. and analytics?
It's important to get better every day. I show up every
JA: I pay attention to wins and losses, how many wins
day to the ballpark trying to get better. On defense,
we have and how many losses we have. That's all the
offensively, at base running...but defense is a big part
numbers I pay attention to. I mean I have to look at my
of our game.
numbers when they're up on the screen, but I try to not
pay attention.
As of August 5th, you played in 200 consecutive
games, which is the longest games-played streak
in the Majors. What value do you find in being able Jeff Bagwell is the only other Astros player to
to play every day? ever have won a league MVP back in 1994. Youre
setting yourself up well to become the second
JA: I think the most important thing in baseball is being Astros player to win the award, so what is it like
able to play every day. You have to be available to be knowing you're putting yourself amongst the most
in the game at some point. That's what I do. During my elite baseball players?
time off in the offseason, I prepare myself for that. My
goal is to be 100% for 180 games. JA: I'm just going out there and trying to help my team
win. I think my real MVP will be a World Series. That's
what is in my eyes right now, that's what I'm looking for.
Your teammates have said no matter how you end a Of course everybody would like to win the MVP Award,
season, you'll always come back wanting more and but I think I would rather be in the World Series and win
working even harder the next season. How do you the World Series more than anything else.
stay so hungry and motivated?
JA: I always feel happy, not just about how I play but Is there anyone specific you look up to in the big
about how the team plays. But I'm never completely leagues?
satisfied. I always feel like I can get better, and when
I say "I can get better" I'm talking about my team, too. I JA: Miguel Cabrera. Miggy and me have a good
feel like we always can get better, improve something. relationship. We text each other, not every day, but at
Last year obviously was a good year, we went to the least twice, three times a week. He has helped with
playoffs. Lost in Game 5 to the Royals. I showed up this things, like telling me to keep going and never stop. I
year trying to go all the way through. I think that's what's love Miggy, he's been great to me.
special. It's not about what you did last year. You have
to be consistent and try to do it every year. Who are some players you try to model your game
after?
You've become more selective with what pitches JA: There are a few guys in the league... I would say
you swing at this year, and have seen more pitches Dustin Pedroia. I really would like to have the career
per plate appearance than ever before in your he has had - MVP, 200+ homers. He's a great player.
career. What types of adjustments have you made I would like to be the same player he is. And the other
to your approach? one is Ian Kinsler. So guys like that who go out there,
JA: I made more mental adjustments. I try to watch for steal the base, play hard, hit homers I would like to
my pitch. Years ago I was just trying to put the ball in be one of those guys.
play. I think that's the biggest difference.
What is your favorite memory so far in the big How does the team like to keep a light mood and
You're only 26 but you've become a role model to leagues? have fun in the clubhouse?
many. What is most important to you about being JA: Last year when we won the Wild Card Game, and JA: We play cards, we have PlayStation 4 - we have
an example to so many other athletes? then when we went to Kansas City to play the Royals FIFA. And then we sing Backstreet boys.
JA: I would like to be an example not just for other in the playoffs. That was great, the first playoffs of
athletes but also for people in the stands. That's why my career. I couldn't believe it then, everything was
when I go out there, I work hard and play hard. Because so different. I really enjoyed being in the playoffs and
I know little kids are watching you and think one day playing in those games.

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 HOUSTON ASTROS
2016 Official Game Day Magazine www.astros.com

LEADING OFF
AROUND THE HORN
WITH LANCE MCCULLERS
By: Liz Devita

You took an unconventional route to the Majors, On the day of a start, what are some of your
skipping the Triple A level and not seeing a Major routines?
League Spring Training before your debut. What
LM: I always go watch a movie in theaters, home or
advice do you have for current minor leaguers
who have the hopes of making it to the bigs as away. I go for night games, not day games. Theres
quickly as you did? a lot of hours between when you wake up and have
to go to the park and pitch, so I kind of want to fill
LM: I would tell them, man, youve got to let it all hang that with something. I dont do scary movies. Why
out. By that I mean you cant hold anything back. For am I going to pay to have anxiety for three hours?
my first few years, I really concerned myself with how
The previews also will be high-stress. Id rather just
I was being perceived by other people baseball
go and laugh or relax, enjoy something like comedy
critics, front offices. I went home one offseason after
or action.
my High A year and spent six months worrying so
much about what the outside world thought about
me that I lost myself. I didnt get an invite that year Whats the story behind your connection to
to Spring Training, and I literally said I was going to Batman?
go out there and pitch and show everybody why I LM: Growing up, I was always intrigued by the fact
deserved to be respected as a pitcher and be a big
that Batman is just a regular dude that does superhero
leaguer. I went out there from day one, and since
things. Im not very impressed by Superman because
then, Ive let it all hang out. I pitch with hunger and
I pitch with vengeance and maybe a little bit of anger you cant do anything to him, so of course hes going
and thats just who I am. to do these amazing things and save people because
you cant hurt him. But Batman, hes the vigilante. I
thought it was pretty cool. Normal dude, risks a lot to
In your young career with Houston, youve
help the people in his city.
become a fan favorite for bringing a passionate
personality to the mound. What fuels that fire?
Is there one pitcher, current or former, that you try
LM: The way I grew up. My dad pitched for seven
to model your game after?
years starting in his early twenties, and he always
told me that it went in the blink of an eye and before LM: I love Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole. The
he knew it, it was over. I learned to love and cherish passion that they pitch with is something that I try to
the game at a young age. I think the passion and fire emulate. When I watch them pitch, I know it means
I bring on the mound is me bringing my love to the a lot to them. Good or bad, they get into it, they
game and trying to give my all every time I go out. I yell and scream. It just makes me realize that other
wear my emotions on my sleeve. If I do that, if Im true people who play this game are playing for the love,
to being me when Im on the mound, I can live with the passion of it, not just because you can buy nice
that. The fans see that, and appreciate that. cars or houses. When you have people that are that
successful for that long, it kind of reaffirms why you
What is the most satisfying part for you about started playing in the first place. Because you love it,
How did being the youngest pitcher in club history
being on the mound? not because of anything else. to start a postseason game, Game 4 of the ALDS
LM: The most satisfying thing for me is more of a in 2015, motivate you going into the offseason?
situation. That game where youre facing a tough What is the story behind your walkout song, LM: You just get lost in the game. You get lost in the
pitcher. You can tell early that the other pitcher is Taylor Swifts Shake it Off? moment. Im really good at remembering people I
throwing really well and that its going to be a grind for faced and games I pitched in... sequences I threw.
the hitters that game. We talk a lot about it in sports, LM: Its kind of like, stay true to yourself. I love Taylor But something about that gameI just remember
picking each other up. So when I can pitch those Swift, Ive seen her in concert and sang along with the feeling I had. Not exactly what happened, but
games that are going to be really close and I pitch every other eight-year-old girl in the stadium. I just that feeling of pitching in the playoffs. Its like that old
well, thats rewarding for me because I know I picked love that song. My version is a little bit of a remix. saying age is just a number. I was just one of the
my guys up that time. Sometimes you dont pitch that It gets me pumped up, what can I say? No shame guys out there. The feeling that it gave us as a team,
well but you still get a win or a no-decision, and those in rocking to some T-Swift. I enjoy the song and so and the feeling that it gave the fans, that was the most
guys have your back, so its good to have theirs. I stick with it. important thing.

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 HOUSTON ASTROS
2016 Official Game Day Magazine www.astros.com

LEADING OFF
CURRENT EVENTS
WITH CHRIS DEVENSKI
By: Liz Devita

1 ANY SUPERSTITIONS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?

CD: Tying my shoelaces really tight when Im out there on the mound.

2 FUNNIEST TEAMMATE?
CD: I have to go with Tony Sipp.

3 IF YOU COULD PLAY WITH ANY BASEBALL PLAYER,

FORMER OR CURRENT, WHO WOULD IT BE?
CD: To be on a team with, Id say Nolan Ryan, because I feel like hes
one of the greatest. And I would want to face Ted Williams.

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4 MOST INTERESTING ITEM YOU KEEP IN YOUR LOCKER?
CD: A little, miniature Dragon. That or the number 47, the thing you put
on your table at What-A-Burger...one of those.
 HOUSTON ASTROS
2016 Official Game Day Magazine www.astros.com

LEADING OFF
CURRENT EVENTS
WITH LUIS VALBUENA
By: Elizabeth Devita

1 A place youve never been that you want to visit?

LV: Japan

2 Favorite athlete?
LV: Jose Altuve! Hes unbelievable.

3 Favorite off-day activity?

LV: Going shopping

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4 One thing you cant live without?
LV: My TV. Right now, its the telenovela Pasin de Amor
 HOUSTON ASTROS
2016 Official Game Day Magazine
LEADING OFF
QUOTABLEBy Elizabeth Devita
We expect to win the way were
playing, which is good. We show up
the ballpark every day feeling good
about our chance to win. Weve got
to go out and produce and do some
things and prepare, but we do have
a nice little vibe about us, a little
swagger. Weve got our confidence
back and the way we show up and
performing right now, its a fun
atmosphere.
A.J. HINCH
June 29 MLB.com
A lot of times, people might think it
looks natural to [Springer], but its
because of the work hes put in. Ive
always said that hard work makes
the game look easy, and I think
thats probably some of the things
that the normal fans dont see.
GARY PETTIS
on George Springer
June 30 MLB.com
Its kind of a weight lifted off your
shoulders. Now I dont have to come
to the ballpark and think, Todays
the day. Ill go out and relax and
have fun.
A.J. REED
on getting his first
Major League hit
July 2 MLB.com
24
www.astros.com
It was a big month for us. To be
Player of the Month in a month when
the team was winning, its even
better. At the end of the day, what
matters is the way were playing.
JOSE ALTUVE
July 3 Houston Chronicle
When you have one good player,
that player can help you win a
ballgame. When you have two or
three good players, it can help you
have a good month and a good year
and a good run into the postseason.
JEFF LUHNOW on Jose Altuve,
Carlos Correa and George
Springer
July 3 Houston Chronicle
Im not going to take it for granted.
I dont know if Ill ever get another
opportunity like this again. Im going
to soak it in. Im going to have a big
smile on my face for a few days. It
should be a lot of fun.
WILL HARRIS
on his All-Star selection
July 5 Houston Chronicle
 HOUSTON ASTROS
2016 Official Game Day Magazine
LEADING OFF
THIS MONTH IN ASTROS HISTORY
By: Elizabeth Devita
On July 31, 1998, just before the trade deadline, the Houston Astros traded
three rookies to the Seattle Mariners for future Hall Of Famer Randy Johnson.
In his Astros debut shortly thereafter, Johnson struck out 12 batters over 7.0
innings en route to his first win, a 6-2 victory in Pittsburgh on August 2. Things
continued to get better with Johnson on the mound as August progressed. In
his first two games at the Astrodome in August, Johnson delivered shutout
victories over Philadelphia (August 7) and Milwaukee (August 12).
In his third home appearance and sixth overall with the club on August 28,
Johnson made history at the Astrodome. The 6-foot-10 left-handed pitcher
struck out a season-high 16 batters during his complete-game shutout versus
the Pittsburgh Pirates. It took 6.0 innings for any runs to cross the plate, but
the Astros first took the lead in the bottom of the 6th inning when Brad Ausmus
scored after Craig Biggio reached base safely on a fielders choice. Dj vu
GETTY IMAGES, VINCENT LAFORET
26
www.astros.com
was the name of the game in the 8th inning, as the Astros scored their second
run in the exact same fashion as their first. This was the last time an Astros
pitcher had 15 or more strikeouts in a game.
Johnson went 5-1 in his first six games in August, three of which were
complete game shutouts. Johnsons time with the Astros in 1998 was short
but sweet, and exactly what the team needed someone they could trust
with the ball to win critical games. In 11 starts during his few months with the
team, Johnson went 10-1 and owned a 1.28 ERA. Johnson joined the team
when they were in first place with a 67-44 record, and the team maintained
their excellence through the end of the season. With Johnsons help, the 1998
Astros went on to win the National League Central title and recorded 102
victories, which currently stands as the most victories in a single season in
franchise history.
GETTY IMAGES, STEPHEN DUNN
GETTY IMAGES, JONATHAN DANIEL