- Photo:
How The Houston Astros’ Sign-Stealing Scandal Derailed A Dynasty And Changed Baseball
In 2019, the Houston Astros charged toward the World Series with a franchise-record 107 wins, a roster stacked with talent, and the swagger of a team destined for greatness. Yet, beneath the surface of their electrifying postseason run lay a brewing storm of controversy that would overshadow their efforts and define their legacy.
From a sign-stealing scandal that cast doubt on their integrity to a front-office fiasco that ignited public outrage, the Astros’ journey to a seven-game World Series loss against the Washington Nationals was as much about off-field drama as on-field heroics. Here’s a look at the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes, revealing a team grappling with its own missteps in the glare of the national spotlight.
The Sign-Stealing Scandal’s Looming Shadow
The Astros’ 2019 postseason was overshadowed by whispers of their 2017 sign-stealing scheme, which would fully unravel in November 2019. Although MLB’s investigation, concluded in January 2020, found no evidence of illicit sign-stealing in 2019, suspicions lingered. The 2017 scandal involved a center-field camera relaying catchers’ signs to a monitor behind the dugout, with players banging trash cans to signal pitches. Opposing teams, including the Nationals, took precautions in 2019, using multiple sign sets to thwart potential cheating. These countermeasures, coupled with public skepticism, created a tense atmosphere, as the Astros faced accusations that their dominant regular season, led by stars like Jose Altuve and Gerrit Cole, was tainted by past misdeeds.
Taubman’s Outburst Sparks Outrage
A significant off-field controversy erupted just after the Astros clinched the American League pennant against the New York Yankees. Assistant General Manager Brandon Taubman made inflammatory comments in the clubhouse, taunting three female reporters about closer Roberto Osuna, who had faced domestic violence charges in 2018 (later dropped with conditions). Taubman’s remarks, reported by Sports Illustrated, were seen as defending Osuna’s acquisition despite his controversial past. The Astros initially denied the story, accusing the publication of fabrication, but backlash forced them to retract their statement, fire Taubman on Oct. 25, and issue an apology. This incident fueled criticism of the team’s culture and leadership, distracting from their World Series preparations.
A Team Under Pressure
The Astros entered the World Series as heavy favorites, boasting a stellar pitching trio of Cole, Justin Verlander, and Zack Greinke, and a lineup featuring Altuve, Alex Bregman, and rookie Yordan Alvarez. Yet, the weight of external scrutiny and internal strife took a toll. The Nationals capitalized on this, winning all four games in Houston, including a 6-2 Game 7 victory, marking the first time in major North American sports history that a seven-game series saw the road team win every game. Players later admitted the Taubman incident and ongoing scandal rumors created a “cloud of suspicion” that disrupted focus.
Leadership Fallout and Public Backlash
The Taubman controversy wasn’t the only leadership misstep. Owner Jim Crane’s initial defense of Taubman and the team’s handling of the 2017 scandal, revealed fully after the series, drew ire. Posts on Twitter highlighted a string of missteps: “Assistant GM gets fired for taunting female reporters, lose the World Series, biggest cheating scandal in baseball, deny all of it.” The Astros’ refusal to fully acknowledge the 2017 scandal until MLB’s findings were public further alienated fans and players from rival teams, who felt the team’s 2017 title should have been vacated. This sentiment carried into 2020, with opposing players and fans relentlessly targeting the Astros during spring training.
The Media’s Role in Amplifying the Drama
The Astros’ 2019 saga was magnified by relentless media scrutiny, which both exposed and escalated their troubles. Outlets like The Athletic broke the sign-stealing story, while Sports Illustrated’s coverage of Taubman’s outburst sparked a firestorm. Social media, particularly Twitter, became a battleground where fans and analysts dissected every Astros move, from Crane’s tone-deaf statements to players’ deflections. This intense coverage kept the team on edge, with every press conference and postgame interview dissected for hints of guilt or remorse. The media frenzy not only shaped public perception but also pressured MLB to act swiftly, resulting in suspensions for manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow in January 2020.
Legacy of the 2019 Season
Despite the loss, the 2019 Astros remain one of baseball’s most talented rosters, earning six All-MLB Team selections and accolades like Bregman’s Silver Slugger Award. However, the drama - Taubman’s firing, the sign-stealing suspicions, and the team’s defiant posture - defined their narrative. The Nationals’ victory was partly attributed to their proactive anti-sign-stealing measures, underscoring how the Astros’ past haunted their present. The 2019 World Series run, while a testament to their skill, became a cautionary tale of how off-field controversies can unravel even the most dominant teams.
