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Although he missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, pitcher Justin Verlander was presented with this 2021 American League championship ring prior to the Astros’ 2022 home opener Monday night.

Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve examine their 2021 American League championship rings before the Astros’ home opener Monday night.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) rounds the bases past third base coach Gary Pettis (8) after hitting a 2-run home run, scoring Alex Bregman from second base, against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros center fielder Jose Siri (26) makes a leaping catch against the wall on a ball hit by Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi during the third inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros center fielder Jose Siri (26) makes a leaping catch against the wall on a ball hit by Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi during the third inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen releases a pitch against the Houston Astros during the third inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) reaches back to fist bump with first base coach Omar Lopez (22) after hitting a single during the fourth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) singles off Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the fourth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia releases a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia follows through after releasing a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Bakler, Jr., walks off the field after taking starting pitcher Luis Garcia from the game during the sixth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Phil Maton (88) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) leaps in front of center fielder Jose Siri (26) to make a catch on a fly ball by Los Angeles Angels right fielder Taylor Ward to end the seventh inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) points to the dugout after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) high fives catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after scoring on a bases-loaded walk issued to Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena by Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the fourth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi (33) celebrates with Jack Mayfield (9) aftertastes hitting a solo home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia during the sixth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) crosses the plate as he scores on a bases-loaded walk issued to Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) by Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the fourth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) rounds the bases past Los Angeles Angels second baseman Tyler Wade (14) after hitting a 2-run home run, scoring Alex Bregman from second base, during the seventh inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels, scoring Alex Bregman from second Base, during the seventh inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros fans carry out a field-sized American flag before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros fans unfurl an outfield-sized American flag before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros fans unfurl an outfield-sized American flag before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr., waves as he is introduced during a ring ceremony before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Fireworks shoot in the air as Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) is introduced before their home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The American League Champions banner is unveiled before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros fans carry out a field-sized American flag as starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) warms up in the outfield before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The American League Champions banner is unveiled before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) and second baseman Jose Altuve (27) take a look at their new American League Championship rings during a ring ceremony before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros mascot Orbit waves a flag during introductions before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez gets ready for batting practice before of a major league baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reaches out to his teammates after receiving his American League championship ring before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros players mill about in the dugout before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) runs onto the field as he is introduced with his teammates before the Astros home opener against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) on the ground after being injured after hitting a single during the eighth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run off of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) and Alex Bregman (2) celebrate with Yordan Alvarez (44) after his home run during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run off of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Archie Bradley with Jose Altuve (27) during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run off of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Archie Bradley with teammates during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) hits a sacrifice bunt to score Kyle Tucker during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) catches Los Angeles Angels Taylor Ward's fly out during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Martin Maldonado (15) gets tangled with Los Angeles Angels second baseman Tyler Wade (14) as Jose Altuve singled during the eighth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Alex Bregman (2) stands on second base after his double off of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Phil Maton (88) makes the throw to first base as Los Angeles Angels Andrew Velazquez bunt ground out during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) chats with relief pitcher Phil Maton (88) during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) is assisted by a trainer and first base coach Omar Lopez (22) after being injured after hitting a single during the eighth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run off of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Los Angeles Angels Max Stassi (33) celebrates his home run with Jack Mayfield (9)during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) reacts after giving up a home run to Los Angeles Angels Max Stassi (33) during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) reacts after being pulled by Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. after he gave up a home run to Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi (33) during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) is consoled by catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after he gave up a home run to Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi (33) during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) hits a bunt single against Los Angeles Angels pitcher Austin Warren during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Alex Bregman (2) scores a run on Jeremy Pena's walk during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) is pulled by Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. after he gave up a home run to Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi (33) during the sixth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) catches Los Angeles Angels Tyler Wade's pop out during the fifth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley catches Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani's fly out during the fifth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) flies out to Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley during the fifth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Jose Siri (26) reacts after getting hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, which allowed Yordan Alvarez to score a run during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44)celebrates with Yuli Gurriel (10) after hitting a home run against Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run against Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros center fielder Jose Siri (26) jumps up to grab Los Angeles Angels Max Stassi's fly out during the third inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Jeremy Pena (3) tosses his bat as he was walked by Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

The scoreboard operator takes a peek during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) gets his hands checked by Brian Willis after striking out Los Angeles Angels Jo Adell during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi (33) checks on starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (25) after he walked Houston Astros Kyle Tucker (30) during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels Jo Adell during the fourth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) runs through the fireworks during player introductions before the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) runs through the fireworks during player introductions before the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) during National Anthem before the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) pitches during the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out against Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) during the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

The unveiling of the AL Championship banner during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) pitches during the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) pitches during the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander's AL Championship ring of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel gets his ring from owner Jim and Whitney Crane during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) celebrates with Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

The Opening Day logo on the field before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) jumps back from the fireworks during player introductions before the first inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) high-fives Houston Astros starting pitcher Bryan Abreu (66)during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. comes out to collect his AL Championship ring before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros GM James Click and manager Dusty Baker Jr. during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) in the dugout before the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) in the dugout before the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

A Houston Astros fan during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

A Houston Astros fan during the AL Championship ring ceremony before the start of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) on the ground after being injured after hitting a single during the eighth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks off the field with manager Dusty Baker after suffering an injury running to first base against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks off the field with manager Dusty Baker after suffering an injury running to first base against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks through the dugout to the clubhouse after suffering an injury running to first base against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) rounds the bases past third base coach Gary Pettis (8) after hitting a 2-run home run, scoring Alex Bregman from second base, against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks off the field with manager Dusty Baker after suffering an injury running to first base against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) and catcher Martin Maldonado (15) walk off the field after the Astros took an 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels in a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks off the field with manager Dusty Baker after suffering an injury running to first base against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) and catcher Martin Maldonado (15) walk off the field after the Astros took an 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels in a major league baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) helps Los Angeles Angels Jack Mayfield (9) after he was hit by a pitch from relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) during the ninth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley (23, Houston Astros center fielder Jose Siri (26), and Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) react after Los Angeles Angels Andrew Velazquez flew out to center to end the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) celebrates after Los Angeles Angels Andrew Velazquez flew out to center to end the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) celebrates with catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after Los Angeles Angels Andrew Velazquez flew out to center to end the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) reacts after Los Angeles Angels Andrew Velazquez flew out to center to end the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (77) celebrates with relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) during the ninth inning of the Astros home opener MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Houston.

Ten games into the season, Astros third baseman Alex Bregman assured fans this is no time for nervousness or its next of kin.

“We’ve got to get going in a few areas, and we will,” Bregman said prior to the Astros’ home opener Monday night at Minute Maid Park. “It’s pretty early in the season, and the cream always rises to the top.”

The rising cream, too, correlates with the slide of a ring, what’s become an almost annual affair on the Astros’ home field. The Astros received their American League championship rings prior to facing the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a three-game series.

“I can’t wait to see what they look like,” Astros outfielder Chas McCormick said prior to the pregame ceremony.

McCormick added of the Astros’ string of American League Championship Series appearances: “It’s amazing to (be in) five in a row. … It shows the character of this team and this organization, and there’s no better feeling than to get a ring for that.”

The Astros, who are playing six consecutive games at home after playing their first nine on the road, are aiming for their sixth straight showing in an ALCS. The Astros had never appeared in more than two consecutive championship series (2004-05 when they were in the National League) prior to the current streak.

“Trying to get that sixth this year will obviously be hard to do,” McCormick said. “(Those) kinds of streaks you want to keep going … and making a sixth ALCS this year would be huge. We’ve got a long way to go … but we’re really motivated to get there.”

While some of the younger players received their first ring at the big league level, Astros manager Dusty Baker simply added Monday’s glossy offering to his collection behind a code.

“You always want a championship ring, but any ring is better than no ring,” Baker said of ideally being fitted for a World Series band before his Astros tenure runs its course. “There are a bunch of people who never even got a ring.”

A year ago the Atlanta Braves defeated the Astros in six games in the World Series, with the clincher occurring on Houston’s home field. Monday night’s game was the Astros’ first at Minute Maid since the puncturing 7-0 loss on Nov. 2.

“You’ve got to look at it as we played as well as we could play,” said Baker, who first managed the Astros in 2020. “Since I’ve been here, we were one game away from (making) the World Series, and then we were in the World Series. There’s only one step left this year.

“I hope the guys who (didn’t) have rings appreciate the rings that we get, and the guys who do have rings, hopefully they fit some other fingers, and they (wind up) with four or five fingers full of rings.”

Baker, a longtime player and manager, said he’s unaware how many rings he owns. Rings are typically awarded for American and National pennants and of course for winning the World Series.

“I really don’t know,” Baker said with a shrug. “I’ve got one championship ring (1981 with the Los Angeles Dodgers), three or four National League championship rings, three or four All-Star rings. I’ve just got them in a safe deposit box, and I’ll give them to my kids.

“I don’t wear them out (and about), because they really don’t fit.”

The Astros started the season 4-1 before dropping three of four prior to Monday’s home opener.

“Our guys are happy to be with our families and be with our fans,” Baker said of the Astros finally playing a home game in 2022.

Prior to the ring presentation, Baker said with a grin that he could not wait to see what the Astros owner had in store on the bling front.

“I know that Jim Crane goes (all) out — I’ve seen some of those rings in the past,” Baker said. “I expect this ring to be pretty cool.”

The Astros’ all-time ring to date is the 2017 World Series title edition, with its 11 diamonds in the “H” on top, signifying their 11 postseason victories en route to their first World Series triumph.

The Astros on Monday night spent about 15 minutes before the first pitch honoring the 2021 crew, including the franchise’s extended staff members. The 2021 ring has 15 diamonds in the “H” in tribute to the team’s 15 postseason appearances.

“We’re super happy about it,” said Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who three years ago was in the organization’s minor leagues, adding that the rings were even a prevalent topic of conversation among the Astros on their way home from Seattle on Sunday.

A couple of the loudest cheers from fans still finding their seats were for outfielder Michael Brantley and pitcher Justin Verlander, although the latter didn’t play in 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2020.

Bregman said the players were thrilled to win their third American League pennant in the last five years for the fans. Now it’s time to focus on 2022.

“They love the Astros, they love this city, we love this city, and we love them,” Bregman said of the Astros’ faithful. “It’s always an honor to play for them.”

Brent Zwerneman is a staff writer for the Houston Chronicle covering Texas A&M athletics. He is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and Sam Houston State University, where he played baseball.

Brent is the author of four published books about Texas A&M, three related to A&M athletics. He's a five-time winner of APSE National Top 10 writing awards for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, including in 2021 breaking the bombshell college football story of the decade: Texas and Oklahoma secretly planning a move to the SEC.

He netted a national APSE second-place finish for breaking the Dennis Franchione "secret newsletter" scandal in 2007, and his coverage of Texas A&M's move to the SEC from the Big 12 also netted a third-place finish nationally in 2012.

He's most proud on the sports front, however, of earning Dayton Invitational Basketball Tournament MVP honors in 1988.

Brent met his wife, KBTX-TV news anchor Crystal Galny, in the Dixie Chicken before an A&M-Texas Tech football game in 2002, and the couple has three children: Will, Zoe and Brady.