George Springer

Lore & Background

Springer attended New Britain High School in New Britain, Connecticut, for his freshman year of high school. He transferred to Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, for his sophomore through senior seasons. He repeated his junior year as his grades dropped. The Minnesota Twins selected Springer in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB draft, but he did not sign. Springer enrolled at the University of Connecticut, where he played college baseball for the Connecticut Huskies. 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 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.

In Their Own Story

The evening air hung heavy over the stadium as Springer stepped up to the plate. The crowd hushed, sensing a pivotal moment in the game. He adjusted his helmet, gripping the bat with familiar precision. A deep breath, a glance toward center field, and then the crack of wood meeting leather echoed through the night.

Reader's Guide

Springer made his MLB debut on April 16, 2014, at Minute Maid Park against the Kansas City Royals. He hit the first home run of his MLB career on May 8, 2014, at Comerica Park off Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Smyly. In 2017, the Astros shifted Springer to center field. He was selected as the American League Player of the Week for the first time in June 2017. He made his first MLB All-Star team in 2017, elected by the fans as a starter. In the 2017 World Series, Springer hit five home runs, tying the record shared by Reggie Jackson and Chase Utley, and homered in each of the final four games, setting a World Series record. He was named World Series MVP. After the season, Springer was named an American League Silver Slugger Award winner at outfield for the first time.

Did You Know?

• Springer was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB draft but did not sign.
• In 2013, Springer joined the 30–30 club in the minor leagues, recording more than 30 home runs and stolen bases.
• Springer hit a record-tying five home runs in the 2017 World Series and was named World Series MVP.
• He appeared on a 2014 cover of Sports Illustrated that predicted the Astros' 2017 World Series win.