A Memorable Encounter with Jose Altuve
Christopher Disalvo, a 4-foot-4 middle infielder from Long Island, New York, had the baseball experience of a lifetime at Camden Yards. Sitting in section 48, row 21, seat 4, he watched his idol, Jose Altuve, step into the on-deck circle. With unwavering determination, Disalvo called his shot, asking Altuve for his bat if he hit a home run. Little did he know, his wish was about to come true.
Altuve wasted no time in fulfilling Disalvo’s request. On the second pitch he saw, Altuve launched a 382-foot home run into the right field seats. Celebrating with his teammates, Altuve called Disalvo down from his seat, giving him a fist bump and gifting him the orange bat he had just used. Overwhelmed with joy, Disalvo declared it the happiest moment of his life.
Stadium officials quickly took charge of the bat, whisking Disalvo, his father, Chris Sr., and a little league teammate into the concourse at Camden Yards. There, the bat was authenticated and kept safe for the remaining seven innings of the game. Chris Sr., who coaches his son’s little league team, couldn’t believe what had happened while he was briefly absent.
Although both father and son were die-hard New York Mets fans, attending a game at Camden Yards was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. Their family had a bucket list goal of visiting all 30 major-league ballparks, and this was their chance to cross one off the list. While Disalvo had his favorite players, like Elly De La Cruz and Jonathan India, his admiration for Altuve stemmed from their shared height disadvantage. Standing at 5-foot-6 himself, Chris Sr. appreciated Altuve’s success despite his smaller stature.
What struck Chris Sr. the most was Altuve’s generosity and sportsmanship. Despite the boos and criticism he often faces from opposing fans, Altuve remains one of the most giving players in the Astros’ clubhouse. He engages with fans through autograph signings and even takes selfies with eager supporters. Chris Sr. was impressed by Altuve’s genuine love for the game and his unwavering respect for it, regardless of what team a fan supports.
As Disalvo prepared to play right field in his team’s doubleheader the following day, Chris Sr. acknowledged that they were up against one of the best teams in the country. However, he emphasized that they were there for the experience above all else. The encounter with Altuve had already made the trip worthwhile, leaving a lasting memory that they would cherish forever.
In the end, Altuve’s act of kindness went beyond simply gifting a bat to a young fan. It showcased his genuine character and love for the game, leaving an indelible mark on Christopher Disalvo and his father. The Disalvo family’s journey to all 30 major-league ballparks continues, and every encounter with players like Altuve adds another layer of appreciation and admiration for the sport they love.