The Houston Astros cannot erase the stain of the 2017 cheating embarrassment, but the 2022 World Series championship team has reclaimed their respect by gaining their legacy. 

Since the media revealed the scandal of the banging trash cans, the illicit TV monitor, and the computer programs that intercepted pitches and helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series, the entire organization has struggled. While the Astros cheated, nothing can tear down the gold banner hanging above the left-center field at Minute Maid Park commemorating the 2017 World Series champions. Nothing can undo the team’s moral failures, but four World Series appearances in six years can justify the grander achievements and put out a call that this reformed team deserves their respect. 

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Houston Astros won their second World Series in club history; their 4 -1 victory in Game 6 over the Philadelphia Phillies produced a 4 – 2 World Series win. All over, Houston fans cheered during Game 6 of the World Series as the Houston Astros celebrated this crowning achievement. 

Over the last couple of seasons, the Houston Astros have traded for and signed players such as CY Young candidate Framber Valdez, silver slugger Yordan Alvarez, acclaimed pitcher Luis Garcia, World Series MVP Jeremy Peña, and others who contributed to an impressive 106-56 record compared to their still accomplishing 2017 year with a 101-61 record. 

After Game 6, Lance McCullers, one of the Astros’ starting pitchers, reflected, “I don’t know how to change peoples’ opinions…We put ourselves in a bad spot; all we did was claw our way out by winning. And we’ve done that, year after year now. If the world never comes around, we understand. And I can’t tell people how to feel or what to think about us. Just know that this locker room is full of guys who have won the World Series properly. We have truly earned this and also the respect of others.”

Adam Schefter, an ESPN analyst, tweeted, “Boo the hell out of the Astros all you want, but you have to respect them. Four World Series in six years. No accusations of trash cans or buzzers. Just great baseball. RESPECT!”

Fans from around the league can root for their challengers — the 2019 Nationals, 2021 Braves, and now the 2022 Phillies — while acknowledging the towering baseball dynasty in Houston. The moral failure of the 2017 team does not make the dynasty any smaller. It only paints them as the villain of the league, and they will embrace this villainy honestly and follow all the rules while they continue to dominate their challengers. Putting up a second gold World Series banner for the 2022 champions under the 2017 team will make the bumpy road back from public humiliation well worth it.