The Latest: Zimmerman recalls first time he saw Jose Altuve
HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):
5:55 p.m.
Ryan Zimmerman, the longtime "face of the franchise" for the Washington Nationals, remembers the first time he saw the 5-foot-6 player who has grown into that role with the Houston Astros.
Jose Altuve made his big league debut with the Astros on July 20, 2011, in a home game against the Nationals, who they will host in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night.
"He was in the hotel, and I remember seeing him and you look at him and like what everyone used to do, 'Who is this guy?'," Zimmerman said. "I remember watching him. He had some good at-bats. ... He's obviously incredible to watch."
Altuve went 1 for 5 with a strikeout in that game eight years ago — which was six years after Zimmerman became the first player ever drafted by the Nationals.
Houston's second baseman has since become the 2017 American League MVP, and a six-time All-Star with three AL batting titles. Altuve was the MVP of the AL Championship Series that ended Saturday night with his two-run, pennant-clinching home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the New York Yankees.
