George Springer

Lore & Background

Springer played college baseball at the University of Connecticut, where he was named Big East Conference Baseball Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. The Astros selected Springer in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2014. In 2017, Springer became an MLB All-Star, Silver Slugger Award winner, and World Series champion. He was also named the 2017 World Series MVP, hitting a record-tying five home runs, as the Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. He was again an All-Star in 2018, 2019, and 2022. Springer signed with the Blue Jays as a free agent before the 2021 season.

In Their Own Story

The lights at Minute Maid Park hummed with tension during the sixth game of the 2017 World Series. With the bases loaded and two outs, George Springer stepped into the batter's box against Madison Bumgarner. The crowd held its breath as the pitch came in. He connected, sending a towering drive over the left-field wall that silenced the opposing dugout and ignited the home fans.

Reader's Guide

Springer attended New Britain High School for his freshman year, then transferred to Avon Old Farms School for his sophomore through senior seasons. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB draft but did not sign. At UConn, he was named Big East rookie of the year and later Big East Player of the Year. The Astros drafted him 11th overall in 2011. He played in the minor leagues for Tri-City, Lancaster, Corpus Christi, and Oklahoma City. He made his MLB debut on April 16, 2014. In 2017, he shifted to center field and was an All-Star starter. He hit five home runs in the 2017 World Series, setting records for consecutive games with a home run (4), extra-base hits (8), and total bases (29).

Did You Know?

• Springer hit a record-tying five home runs in the 2017 World Series, matching Reggie Jackson and Chase Utley.
• He was named the 2017 World Series MVP after going 11 for 29 with 7 RBI.
• Springer was the first Astros rookie to hit 15 home runs before the All-Star break (2014).
• He appeared on a 2014 Sports Illustrated cover that predicted the Astros' 2017 World Series win.