A Long-Awaited Return to Wrigley Field
It has been a full decade since the Houston Astros last visited Wrigley Field. Tonight, at 6:40 p.m. CT, they will finally return to face the Chicago Cubs, marking their first game at the historic venue since 2013. This series holds a particular significance as Jose Altuve is the only player from that 2013 Astros squad still on the roster today. Two longstanding staff members, bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte and first base coach Dave Clark, join him, sharing ties to that era.
Jose Altuve: A Stalwart Through Change
Back in 2013, a younger Jose Altuve was navigating his third MLB season. By mid-June, he had amassed impressive stats with a .293/.323/.378 slash line, contributing 28 doubles, a triple, and three home runs over 68 games. Despite Altuve’s efforts, the Astros struggled in the standings, holding a 28-46 record when they faced the Cubs and dropping two out of three games in that series. Nevertheless, Altuve’s performance was noteworthy; he hit 4 for 11, walked twice, and scored two runs.
Coaching Carousel: The Journey of Dave Clark and Javier Bracamonte
Unlike Altuve, Dave Clark didn’t remain with the Astros continuously. After his initial stint as Houston’s first base coach ended in 2013, Clark spent several years with the Detroit Tigers as their third base coach before returning to the Astros in December 2023. Javier Bracamonte, however, has been the most steadfast, serving as the bullpen catcher for the past 23 seasons and witnessing the team’s ups and downs firsthand.
2013: A Year to Forget in Wrigley Field
The 2013 season remains one of the toughest in Astros history, culminating in a dismal 51-111 record. Significant transitions, including a change in management with Jeff Luhnow at the helm as general manager, marked this period. Midseason, Luhnow made the decisive move to fire manager Brad Mills, appointing Bo Porter in his stead—a relationship that would also end prematurely in 2014 when A.J. Hinch took over. Despite these struggles, the Astros have a storied history at Wrigley Field, having played 356 games there, the second-most at any road ballpark after Dodger Stadium.
Current Challenges: Astros and Cubs Face Off
Entering this series, the Astros find themselves at the bottom of the American League West with a record of 7-16, a stark contrast to the Cubs, who are currently second in the National League Central at 13-9. This matchup is significant as it pits the Astros against a team with a winning record, a challenge they have faced multiple times this season. The stakes are high as the Astros seek to turn around their season against a formidable Cubs team.
A Nostalgic Yet Crucial Series
As the Astros take the field at Wrigley tonight, they not only revisit a place rich with personal and professional memories but also face a critical point in their season. This series is a poignant reminder of their enduring connection to the team and the sport for Altuve, Clark, and Bracamonte. For the team, it’s an opportunity to regain their footing and move up from the bottom of their division. The coming games will testify to their resilience and ability to compete against strong opponents in iconic settings.