It's good to be the Houston Astros Hit King.
Jose Altuve picked up some serious swag from the Astros for his batting title 2014 season. And he could not stop grinning upon receiving it.
A brand new 2015 black Lexus GX 460 SUV and a diamond and gold ring that puts the bling of some Super Bowl champs to shame has a way of doing that. Altuve seemed genuinely blown away by the gifts — fitting for his humble ways.
Altuve knew the Astros planned to get him something. But he didn't seem to imagine this.
The gift giving was just part of the Astros' Opening Day pregame ceremonies. Longtime Astros voice Milo Hamilton made an appearance, shuffling onto the field in a walker — and then delivering some vintage Milo words. Altuve officially received his Silver Slugger Award bat from Astros owner Jim Crane. The ultimate highlight?
Probably, new Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio throwing the ceremonial first pitch to Altuve. Biggio's pitch from the mound easily found the glove, something Nolan Ryan himself struggled with last Opening Day.
"I think it's pretty cool," Biggio says before throwing his strike. "I'm happy to throw out the first pitch and that he's catching it."
From One Bat Master to another.
Of course, Altuve may have walked away with the most lasting memories of all. Or at least, the most expensive mementos. His ring includes the engraving "MLB Batting Champion" — and lots of diamonds.
Jose Altuve's gift? A new Lexus SUV for starters.
