A.J. Hinch shares thoughts on Astros' legacy in aftermath of sign-stealing scandal

"It was wrong, and it continues to be wrong, and we'll always have this question around 2017," Hinch said. "I also think you can say these guys are really good players. It's a really good system there. It was built brilliantly. The additions after the fact have been really good. There's been a long run of success, of winning in that organization and rightfully so with the talent that is in that organization, on the field, off the field, all around that club." 

Hinch was one of the few who faced severe discipline for the events that transpired in 2017. Suspended from baseball for the 2020 season and dismissed from his managerial job in Houston, Hinch landed on his feet, signing on to manage the Detroit Tigers ahead of the 2021 season. But even though he paid his price and now wears a different uniform, Hinch said "no one" was more responsible for what occurred six seasons ago in Houston but him. 

"I'm going to continue to say that for the rest of my career when anyone brings up 2017 because I believe it," Hinch said. 

Having played seemingly clean baseball following the scandal, the Astros still get nasty treatment from opposing fans whenever they come to town. And whatever the club does, its every move is watched closely. So it's hard to say when or if the stink of 2017 will ever fully come off the franchise and the players who participated in the deed. However, to Hinch's credit, he's never shied away from taking the heat as the team's manager. 

Since winning the World Series in 2017, the Astros have gone to five-straight ALCS' and returned to the fall classic three times, winning it in six games over the Philadelphia Phillies last season.