Altuve recognized for record-setting season
Received special gift from Minute Maid; Craig Biggio took part in ceremony
HOUSTON, TX - Prior to tonight's 6:10 p.m. Astros-Mariners game, the Houston Astros and partner Minute Maid recognized Jose Altuve's new franchise record for hits in a season during the pregame ceremonies.
Craig Biggio, who had held the club record of 210 hits since 1998, also took part in the ceremony. Altuve set the new club record with his 211th hit on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park vs. the Cleveland Indians.
In recognition of this milestone, Biggio and Minute Maid representative Fred Arnold presented Altuve with a gift of 211 bottles of Minute Maid orange juice. The ceremony also included a video showing all 211 of Altuve's hits en route to setting the record.
Entering Saturday night's game, Altuve led the American League in batting (.343), hits (216) and stolen bases (53), and is vying to become the first player in franchise history to win a batting title. His 21 hits are currently tied for the ML record for a Venezuelan-born player, set by Magglio Ordonez in 2007.
SPECIAL FOR THE FANS
As part of Saturday's promotion, 211 envelopes were distributed by Minute Maid Park ushers to randomly selected fans in the ballpark. Each envelope contained a photo of Altuve connecting for his record-setting 211th hit, and a coupon for a free bottle of Minute Maid orange juice. Fans receiving the envelopes were asked not to open them until instructed to do so during the pregame ceremony.