George Springer

George Springer's Biography

George Chelston Springer III, born on September 19, 1989, in New Britain, Connecticut, soared to fame as a Major League Baseball athlete in the United States. His remarkable talents saw him play for the Houston Astros for seven years from 2014 to 2020, before he shifted to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he plays as an outfielder.

A biracial player (with roots in Panama and Puerto Rico), Springer nurtured his love for baseball in his hometown of New Britain, Connecticut. As he branched into professional sports, he split his time between playing as a right fielder and in the center field.

Springer demonstrated a knack for baseball while still in school. Despite his small frame during his freshman year at New Britain High School, Springer made the varsity baseball team. Standing at mere 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 100 pounds did not deter him from showcasing his talent on the field. After his freshman year, he transferred to Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, where from sophomore year onwards, he continued developing his baseball skills, even while his grades suffered forcing him to repeat his junior year.

The Minnesota Twins envisaged Springer’s potential early on, and selected him in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB draft during his high school days. But Springer, whom self-awareness figured more prominently than haste for fame, decided not to sign with Minnesota. Springer knew he stood on the threshold of a remarkable journey, but he realized he needed more game time to prepare for professional baseball.

Following high school, Springer attended the University of Connecticut (UConn), continuously earmarking himself as an exceptional athlete. In 2009, Springer, now playing for UConn’s baseball team – the Connecticut Huskies – was named to the Baseball America Freshman All-America First Team before moving on to secure the title of the Big East Conference rookie of the year. Despite the growing accolades, Springer remained focused and determined to dominate the field during the summer seasons of 2009 and 2010 playing for the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

In 2011, Springer’s hard work earned him the Big East Player of the Year title. His prowess in the field also garnered the attention and praise of renowned sports agencies, with Perfect Game USA and Louisville Slugger naming him a first-team All-American, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association recognizing his talent as well.

Enjoying his golden period, Springer entered the 2011 MLB draft with high hopes. The Houston Astros, recognizing his innate capabilities, selected him in the first round as the 11th overall pick. This historic selection propelled Springer to record-breaking heights, going down in the University of Connecticut’s annals as the highest selection in their baseball history. The Astros then signed Springer, securing him a $2.52 million bonus.

Springer started his professional journey through minor leagues. In 2012, he played for the Lancaster JetHawks of the Class A-Advanced California League and the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Class AA Texas League.

As his career began to take shape, Springer’s talent became undeniable, hitting 22 home runs and recording 28 stolen bases. He capped his 2013 season with remarkable stats, hitting more than 30 home runs and stolen bases, giving him membership to the illustrious 30-30 club. His impressive record, backed by his demeanor on and off the field, led him to become a finalist for USA Today’s Minor League Player of the Year Award.

While starting his 2014 season with the Oklahoma City RedHawks, Springer hit a .353 batting average with a .647 slugging percentage which earned him a call-up to the major league team for their April 16 game.

Springer’s MLB debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 16, 2014, highlighted his burgeoning potential. The game saw him achieve his first career hit and the first home run of his MLB career. A quad strain briefly interrupted his debut season but he still closed the year playing in 78 games with a .231 batting average and 20 home runs.

The following two years saw Springer consistently improving his at-bats quality and reducing his strikeout rate. In 2016, he led the American League with 744 plate appearances, created career highs by scoring 116 runs, hitting 29 home runs and securing 88 walks.

In 2017, the Astros changed Springer’s position to center field. His first selection as the American League Player of the Week followed shortly. Later on, he was chosen as a part of the American League lineup in MLB All-Star team for the first time.

Springer ended the year with a .283 batting average, 34 home runs, and 85 RBIs. His scintillating form played a crucial role in driving the Astros all the way to the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Springer excelled in the series, hitting five home runs to tie the World Series record, set a record for consecutive games with a home run, and was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.

However, the triumph was marred by the Houston Astros’ sign stealing scandal. Unethical behavior saw the team penalized with a $5 million fine and forfeiture of top draft picks in 2020 and 2021. Springer expressed regret over the scandal while maintaining that the clubhouse is a private space and what happens there stays there.

In 2018, Springer continued to impress, leading the Astros in the playoffs and set many records, including that of consecutive postseason games with a home run, and an All-Star selection. Similarly in 2019, he was once again named an All-Star. However, the season was not without controversy, and Springer was disciplined by the MLB for an anti-gay slur directed at an umpire. Injuries followed him throughout the year, curtailing his performances slightly.

The onset of a new decade marked another milestone in Springer’s career. Following the 2020 season, the Toronto Blue Jays signed Springer as a free agent before the 2021 season. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Springer’s enthusiasm for the sport remains undiminished, and his journey from a small-town boy in Connecticut to an accomplished and revered MLB player continues to inspire aspiring athletes across the world.