While this spring’s nonprofit events seemed to be ladies-only when it comes to celebrity draws (Kristin Chenoweth, Katie Holmes, Chrissy Metz, Hilary Swank, etc.), it’s not the case. The After-School All-Stars North Texas‘ Third Annual Rising Stars Luncheon that was such a hit last year with Dak Prescott has scored another super-duper athlete — Jose Altuve!
Please, oh, please, don’t let anyone know that you haven’t heard of him. That’s like saying you haven’t heard of Dak!
Just this past year Houston Astros second baseman Jose was named both the 2017 World Series Champion MVP, AP Male Athlete of the Year, the Hank Aaron Award and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year.
The shortest active player in the Major League Baseball standing at 5’6”, his journey to greatest almost didn’t happen. In 2007 when he was just 16, he tried out for the Houston Astros in his hometown of Maracay, the scouts initially decided to take a pass on his participation. Why? He was too short and lied about his age. But thanks to his father’s encouragement, he returned the next day with his birth certificate in hand. Eventually, he got his chance to show his stuff and it was so impressive, they signed him up as an undrafted free agent.
As for the rest of the story, Jose will share it at the ASAS luncheon on Wednesday, March 28, at Northwood Country Club.
Chairing the event will be a trio of father-son teams — David Bland with son Adam Bland, Brad Reeves with son Cole Reeves and Logan Stout with twin sons Miles Stout and Cooper Stout.
According to ASAS Board Chair Ben Lange, “We are incredibly excited to hear Jose Altuve’s personal story about how he overcame obstacles to achieve success today. We know this luncheon will help ASAS North Texas reach even more students with a safe place to go after school.”
This lunch will be a biggie. Like last year, don’t be surprised if parents get their kids out of school to attend, listen and be inspired by both Jose and the ASAS program.
Working with middle school students in Dallas, “they have grown to serve more than 650 students this year with a safe place to go during the ‘danger zone’ hours of 3-6 p.m. Every day, ASAS studenst receive a healthy snack, targeted tutoring or homework time, and enrichment clubs like robotics, basketball, fashion design, lacrosse and cooking.”
Don’t strike out and get your sponsorships/tickets now!
* Photo provided by After-School All-Stars