AJ Hinch Stays Grounded with Scandalous Past
Remembering the past: The manager of the AL's top-ranked team addressing his controversial past.
It's been eight years since the Houston Astros won the World Series under disgraced manager AJ Hinch. After being slapped with a one-year suspension for the team's 2017 sign-stealing scandals, Hinch is now making a comeback, managing the struggling Detroit Tigers.
During a recent interview at Angel Stadium, Hinch talked candidly about the continued repercussions of his past, stating that he's reminded of the scandal every day. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Hinch has continued to lead his current team with determination and resilience.
Having climbed his way up from minor league director of the Arizona Diamondbacks to major league manager, Hinch has established himself as an innovative leader in the industry. Back in 2009, his unconventional managerial style garnered him criticism from skeptics. However, the plan to integrate the front office and coaching staff has since become common practice in modern baseball.
Under Hinch's leadership, the Tigers hold the best record in the American League as of late April 2025. The team's recent success can be attributed to their rock-solid starting rotation, which boasts defending Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize. The Tigers have also shone on offense, ranking third in the league for most runs scored.
Despite the positive attention, Hinch remains mindful of the past while focusing on the team's success. He stressed the importance of staying disciplined and keeping his eyes on the prize, echoing his postgame remarks after a recent victory. Hinch continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the baseball world, earning recognition in power rankings as a significant factor in Detroit's rejuvenation.
As for Astros fans, responses to Hinch remain mixed. While some voice dissatisfaction with his involvement in the scandal, others admire his contributions to their championship team and his subsequent work with the Detroit Tigers.
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[1] "AJ Hinch's unconventional approach revolutionizes baseball management", Forbes, 2019.[2] "Detroit Tigers' remarkable rise under AJ Hinch", ESPN, 2025.[3] "Hinch's Bullpen Management Strategies Pay Big Dividends for Tigers", MLB.com, 2024.[4] "MLB Power Rankings: Tigers Skyrocket Up the List", USA Today, 2025.[5] "Heartbroken Team: AJ Hinch and the Tigers Prove Their Resilience", The Athletic, 2025.
- The Dodgers, a team based in Los Angeles, California, have called up utilityman Hyeseong Kim, placing Tommy Edman on the injured list.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been exceptional for the Dodgers in a rain-delayed win over the Braves.
- Dave Roberts, like AJ Hinch, has shown empathy by adopting the Palisades High baseball team, who are coping with fire's destruction.
- Shohei, a remarkable player, may have earned legitimacy for his exceptional average and impressive performance in the sports of baseball and MLB.
- The Astros' mixed feelings towards AJ Hinch persist, with some commending his contributions to their championship team and others voicing dissatisfaction with his involvement in the sign-stealing scandals.
- The Dodgers, slugging a high average, are expected to give the Astros a challenging game in an upcoming sports match.
