Houston Astros Star Altuve Reflects On Representing Team Venezuela in WBC

Houston Astros second baseman shares his thoughts on what it's like representing Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Houston Astros Star Altuve Reflects On Representing Team Venezuela in WBC
Houston Astros Star Altuve Reflects On Representing Team Venezuela in WBC /
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Houston Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve is gearing up for the World Baseball Classic. A lover of baseball, his country, and the pride he has for both, the opportunity to represent his home is one of enormous satisfaction. 

The 2016 and 2017 American League MVP will bring a veteran presence to Team Venezuela unlike anyone before him. A natural leader and fan favorite, Altuve is ready to perform to the best of his ability for his country. 

In fact, playing his group stage in Florida means that many of his family members will get to see him perform. But to Altuve it's more than that according to The Houston Chronicles' Chandler Rome.

“Since I remember, probably (as a) 10-, 11-year-old kid, I was trying to make a Venezuelan team to go in the world championships and stuff,” Altuve said Monday afternoon. “It’s always a dream for me and for every single Venezuelan kid, Dominican kid, Puerto Rican, American kid to represent their country. I’m really excited, and it’s going to bring a lot of memories.”

What an opportunity for the 32-year-old as he now gets to live out his childhood dream of representing Venezuela. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.