When Houston Astros owner Jim Crane escaped scot-free after an investigation cleared him of ant involvement in 2017 cheating scandal

Following a thorough investigation into the Houston Astros' use of technology to steal signs in 2017, Major League Baseball imposed severe fines against the organization in 2020.

Owner of the Astros Jim Crane escaped scot-free after an investigation cleared him of an ant involvement. As reported by CBS Sports in 2020, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated:

"I can say our investigation revealed absolutely no evidence" that Crane "was aware of any of the conduct described in this report." Crane, according to Manfred, is said to be "extraordinarily troubled and upset by the conduct of members of his organization."

Using technology (a camera/monitor system) by the Astros to gather information crossed the line in 2017. The Astros communicated the signs they received from the opposing catcher to their batters using a camera in center field.

Seattle Mariners v Houston Astros

MLB conducted an investigation, and on January 13, 2020, commissioner Rob Manfred released the results, noting that the Astros had illegally used camera systems to steal signs during the 2017 regular season, postseason, and some of the 2018 regular season.

"Jim Crane on idea that he is partially responsible for cheating because he hired Jeff Luhnow and A.J. Hinch: “I don’t think I should be held accountable. I’m here to correct it. It won’t happen again on my watch.” - Andersen Pickard

The Astros fired general manager Jeff Luhnow and field manager A.J. Hinch as a result. The franchise also received a fine from MLB and lost its first and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts.

Houston Astros owner Crane claimed cheating was widespread in the MLB

Jim Crane, the owner of the Houston Astros, said in May 2022 that there was widespread cheating in MLB but that his team was the only one to be detected and penalized.

s press conference with Astros owner Jim Crane is a joke. MLB should have stripped their 2017 World Series title and he should have been forced to sell the team. To only blame the fired GM and manager and to not hold the players accountable is A JOKE. #Embarassing #Cheaters - David Kaplan

Crane commented on the contentious 2017 sign-stealing issue for USA Today.

"I think there was a bigger problem out there, but we caught the brunt of it. We did what we did. We took our punishment. People want somebody to get after it, and we're it."

It is interesting to note that none of the Houston Astros players received a suspension since the MLB gave them amnesty in exchange for their assistance with the investigation.