The thing that stood out most about the Astros' visit to the White House on Monday was Jose Altuve's apparent complete disinterest.
The reigning AL MVP was featured prominently behind President Donald Trump during the team's championship visit, but Altuve looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. Of course, this shouldn't surprise anyone.
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Whether to visit the White House after a championship has become a political statement in the Age of Trump, as players and teams wrestle with the perception and reality of hobnobbing and joking with a president and an administration that are seen by many as intolerant, racist and any number of other negative labels. Still, Altuve chose to go, even as teammates Carlos Correa and Ken Giles (citing family obligations) and retired teammate Carlos Beltran chose not to attend. We don't know Altuve's reasons yet, but he'll almost certainly be asked about it soon.
But, man, Altuve sure looked uncomfortable.
Jose Altuve looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. pic.twitter.com/Gj8WEnfR2X
— Jason Foster (@ByJasonFoster) March 12, 2018
For now, we can assume Altuve chose to go as a statement of team unity, or some other similar reason. But his body language during Trump's speech seemed to indicate it was nonetheless something he didn't want to do. Apart from occasional polite applause, an occasional muted smile and a handshake when Trump singled out Altuve's performance last season, the face of the Astros' franchise mostly just stared blankly ahead and showed no sign of emotion. He wasn't the only one who looked less than pleased during the ceremony, but he was certainly the most visible.
Was Altuve's body language a political statement? Was his decision to attend a political statement? Did he regret his decision?
Some on social media pointed out that Altuve did not shake Trump's hand at the ceremony's conclusion as Trump exchanged final pleasantries with players on the front row. Perhaps it was intentional, perhaps not. He did shake Trump's hand earlier, after all, so perhaps there's no interpretation necessary. Still, inquiring minds want to know.
Can't decide here: Did Trump totally skip AL MVP Jose Altuve for a handshake or did Altuve just want no part of it? Either way, kinda awkward. pic.twitter.com/TQrjYOeciv
— Mike Oz (@mikeoz) March 12, 2018
But we can't read Altuve's mind, so unless/until he comments on the situation we're left to wonder what he was thinking as the president congratulated him and his teammates on their World Series win. But based on appearances, it doesn't seem like it was anything pleasant.
Watch the entire ceremony below.
