Shirley Clark, a resident of Buckner Parkway Place in Houston, was a missionary in Venezuela for more than 30 years. In honor of her 100th birthday Dec. 2, the die-hard baseball fan received a surprise visit from Venezuela native José Altuve of the Houston Astros.
Clark watches as many Astros games as she can, whether at the stadium or on TV. Earlier in the year, Clark even had posed for a portrait as part of the retirement community’s new campaign, “Life, Experienced,” while wearing team apparel in front of the Astros’ Minute Maid Park.
News of her birthday and her status as a superfan reached Altuve, a second baseman, who was especially touched by her work in his home country. He asked whether he could visit and bring some gifts.
Conversing in both English and Spanish during his visit, Altuve and Clark talked about her time living in Venezuela and what it was like for Altuve growing up there. She introduced him to some of her children, who were in town for her birthday, and Altuve even did a video call with his wife and daughter so they could wish Clark a happy birthday as well. When their conversation turned to the Astros, Clark showed off her knowledge of player stats.
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