What happened: On Oct. 19, 2019, Jose Altuve hit a walk-off home run off Aroldis Chapman to send the Houston Astros to the World Series. The anniversary arrives with Houston playing October baseball again in 2026.

Why it matters: The homer decided a pennant in the late innings against an elite closer. It remains the signature swing of Houston's late-2010s contending core.

What to watch: Houston continues its 2026 October slate.