Ex Astros Manager AJ Hinch Speaks Out About Sign-Stealing Scandal

Former Astros manager AJ Hinch is speaking out about the sign-stealing scandal that has plagued the MLB, and ultimately, cost him his job.

When asked whether or not Houston’s 2017 World Series championship was tainted, Hinch had no argument.

“It’s a fair question,” he said. “And I think everyone’s going to have to draw their own conclusion.”

Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred for one season for illicitly using electronics to steal signs during games. Owner Jim Crane then fired both Hinch and Luhnow.

The report released by Manfred said the cheating was “player-driven”, and although Hinch did not support it, he failed to share his disapproval with the team.

The amount of help the sign stealing played in the outcome of these games is unknown.

“Unfortunately, no one can really answer that question,” Hinch said.  “I can’t pinpoint what advantages or what happened or exactly what happened otherwise. But we did it to ourselves.”

Hinch has apologized for his role in the scandal, but no players have outright apologized. Astros players were given immunity and not punished as part of the investigation.

In an interview with the Today Show, Hall of Famer Hank Aaron has said he believes anyone involved should be banned from baseball for life.

As players get ready to appear for spring training, it will interesting to see how Astros players respond to this scandal which seems far from over, as people still seek an explanation.