George Chelston Springer III is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. He previously played for the Houston Astros from 2014 to 2020. Springer is originally from New Britain, Connecticut, and has Puerto Rican and Panamanian heritage. He primarily plays right field, but has also spent considerable time in center field.
In 1976, Springer's father, George Jr., participated in the Little League World Series.
George Chelston Springer III was born on September 19, 1989, in New Britain, Connecticut. He is of Puerto Rican and Panamanian descent.
In 2004, Carlos Beltran hit 8 postseason home runs for the Astros, a record that Springer later surpassed.
George Springer was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB draft, but chose not to sign.
Springer was named to the Baseball America Freshman All-America First Team and Big East Conference Rookie of the Year in 2009 while playing college baseball at UConn.
In 2010, Springer played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
After being drafted, Springer signed with the Astros in 2011 and began his professional career with the Tri-City ValleyCats.
George Springer was selected by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft.
In 2011, George Springer was named the Big East Player of the Year and received First Team All-American honors from several organizations.
Before the 2012 season, MLB.com rated Springer as the 84th best prospect in baseball.
Springer played for the Lancaster JetHawks and Corpus Christi Hooks in 2012, showcasing his power and speed with 22 home runs and 28 stolen bases.
In 2013, Springer joined the 30-30 club, hitting more than 30 home runs and stealing more than 30 bases. He was also named the Texas League Player of the Year.
George Springer made his MLB debut on April 16, 2014, against the Kansas City Royals.
Springer hit his first MLB home run on May 8, 2014, against the Detroit Tigers.
Springer was placed on the disabled list on July 23, 2014, due to a quad strain.
George Springer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros in 2014, playing primarily as an outfielder.
In 2014, George Springer appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which predicted the Astros' 2017 World Series win.
Ranked the 18th-best prospect before the 2014 season, Springer started the year in the minors but was called up to the Astros in April.
On April 12, 2015, Springer made a spectacular catch to rob a potential game-winning grand slam against the Texas Rangers.
In 2016, Springer became the Astros' regular leadoff hitter and played in all 162 games, setting career highs in several offensive categories.
Springer's parents were named Little League Parents of the Year in 2016.
In 2017, George Springer was named the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP). He contributed significantly to the Astros' victory, hitting five home runs, tying the World Series record. He also set a record for consecutive games with a home run, homering in the final four games.
In 2017, Springer achieved significant milestones: becoming an MLB All-Star, winning the Silver Slugger Award, becoming a World Series champion, and earning the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
In 2017, Springer transitioned to center field and was selected to his first All-Star Game, starting for the American League.
In the 2017 World Series, Springer hit a home run in games 4–7, setting a club record for consecutive postseason games with a home run at the time.
Springer was placed on the disabled list in July 2017 with a quad injury, and he finished the 2017 season with a .283 average, 34 home runs and 85 RBI.
On January 20, 2018, Springer married Charlise Castro.
Springer continued his postseason home run streak in 2018, hitting home runs in the ALDS, becoming the all-time Astros leader in postseason home runs.
On March 28, 2019, Springer hit his third consecutive Opening Day home run, tying a record. Later that year, he was disciplined by MLB for directing an anti-gay slur at umpire Ángel Hernández.
In 2019, Springer had a strong season both offensively and defensively, ranking highly in several statistical categories including home runs, RBI, and WAR.
In March 2020, Springer donated $100,000 to support Minute Maid Park employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, George Springer concluded his time playing for the Houston Astros.
In 2020, details of the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal emerged, implicating Springer and his teammates. The Astros were fined and lost draft picks, and Springer initially defended the team's actions before later expressing remorse.
Springer had a solid offensive season in the shortened 2020 season, hitting 14 home runs and 32 RBIs.
On January 23, 2021, Springer signed a six-year, $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, injuries delayed his debut with the team.
George Springer signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent before the 2021 season.
In 2021, despite multiple injuries, Springer had impressive performances earning him two consecutive AL Player of the Week awards. He also suffered a left ankle sprain later in the season.
The consequences of the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal continued into 2021, with ongoing discussions about the team's actions and their impact on the sport.
In 2022, Springer was selected as an All-Star for the fourth time. During the playoffs, he suffered a collision injury that took him out of the game.
On June 25, 2023, Springer hit his 55th career leadoff home run, placing him second all-time in this category.
On July 8, 2023, Springer began his paternity leave in anticipation of the birth of his second child.
Springer's second child was born in July 2023.
On September 24, 2023, Springer hit an inside-the-park home run against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Springer struggled at the start of the 2024 season, resulting in a change in his batting order position.