Hours before the Houston Astros reported to Minute Maid Park for their World Series off-day workout on Thursday night, TMZ released an exclusive report that detailed an alleged physical altercation between manager AJ Hinch and Los Angeles Dodgers fans inside a bar at the team’s hotel in Pasadena.
The incident was said to have occurred after the Astros’ loss in Game 1. Cops were called to the scene, but no arrests were made or reports taken, per TMZ. “First off, there was no altercation,” Hinch said emphatically, to begin his media availability.
“And it’s a shame that I’m asked, not from you, I know you’re doing your job, but it’s a shame I get asked about some nonsense and fabrications and non-stories, and I have to respond to it on a national stage.”
When pressed on whether some of the details in the report were true, Hinch restated his position. “To reiterate, there was no altercation. That’s as far as I’m going to go. It’s ridiculous.”
On Friday, the Astros play just their third World Series home game in franchise history. They were swept by the Chicago White Sox in 2005, which made Houston’s thrilling win in extra innings at Dodger Stadium the first in a Fall Classic for the organization.
While it would require sweeping the three games, the Astros are in position to win a championship on the same field they watched the White Sox celebrate on more than a decade ago.
