History of George Springer in Timeline
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.
1976: Springer's Father in Little League World Series
In 1976, Springer's father, George Jr., participated in the Little League World Series.
September 19, 1989: George Springer Born
George Chelston Springer III was born on September 19, 1989, in New Britain, Connecticut. He is of Puerto Rican and Panamanian descent.
2004: Beltran's Postseason Home Runs
In 2004, Carlos Beltran hit 8 postseason home runs for the Astros, a record that Springer later surpassed.
2008: Drafted by Minnesota Twins
George Springer was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB draft, but chose not to sign.
2009: Freshman All-American and Big East Rookie of the Year
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.
2010: Plays Summer Baseball
In 2010, Springer played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
2011: Signs with Astros and Begins Minor League Career
After being drafted, Springer signed with the Astros in 2011 and began his professional career with the Tri-City ValleyCats.
2011: Drafted by Houston Astros
George Springer was selected by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft.
2011: Big East Player of the Year and All-American Honors
In 2011, George Springer was named the Big East Player of the Year and received First Team All-American honors from several organizations.
2012: Ranked a Top Prospect
Before the 2012 season, MLB.com rated Springer as the 84th best prospect in baseball.
2012: Plays for Lancaster and Corpus Christi
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.
2013: Joins 30-30 Club and Earns Texas League Player of the Year
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.
April 16, 2014: MLB Debut
George Springer made his MLB debut on April 16, 2014, against the Kansas City Royals.
May 8, 2014: First MLB Home Run
Springer hit his first MLB home run on May 8, 2014, against the Detroit Tigers.
July 23, 2014: Placed on Disabled List
Springer was placed on the disabled list on July 23, 2014, due to a quad strain.
2014: MLB Debut with Houston Astros
George Springer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros in 2014, playing primarily as an outfielder.
2014: Sports Illustrated Cover Prediction
In 2014, George Springer appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which predicted the Astros' 2017 World Series win.
2014: Ranked a Top Prospect and Called Up to MLB
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.
April 12, 2015: Game-Saving Catch
On April 12, 2015, Springer made a spectacular catch to rob a potential game-winning grand slam against the Texas Rangers.
2016: Becomes Astros' Leadoff Hitter
In 2016, Springer became the Astros' regular leadoff hitter and played in all 162 games, setting career highs in several offensive categories.
2016: Parents Named Little League Parents of the Year
Springer's parents were named Little League Parents of the Year in 2016.
2017: World Series MVP
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.
2017: All-Star, Silver Slugger, World Series Champion and MVP
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.
2017: Moves to Center Field, First All-Star Selection
In 2017, Springer transitioned to center field and was selected to his first All-Star Game, starting for the American League.
2017: Consecutive Postseason Home Runs
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.
2017: Placed on Disabled List and Season Stats
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.
January 20, 2018: Marriage to Charlise Castro
On January 20, 2018, Springer married Charlise Castro.
2018: All-Star Selection
George Springer was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2018.
2018: Postseason Home Run Record
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.
March 28, 2019: Third Consecutive Opening Day Home Run and Disciplinary Action
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.
2019: All-Star Selection
George Springer was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2019.
2019: Strong Offensive and Defensive Performance
In 2019, Springer had a strong season both offensively and defensively, ranking highly in several statistical categories including home runs, RBI, and WAR.
March 2020: Donation to Minute Maid Park Employees
In March 2020, Springer donated $100,000 to support Minute Maid Park employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: End of Astros Tenure
In 2020, George Springer concluded his time playing for the Houston Astros.
2020: Astros Sign Stealing Scandal Fallout
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.
2020: Solid Offensive Season
Springer had a solid offensive season in the shortened 2020 season, hitting 14 home runs and 32 RBIs.
January 23, 2021: Signs with Toronto Blue Jays
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.
2021: Signs with Toronto Blue Jays
George Springer signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent before the 2021 season.
2021: Player of the Week Awards and Injury
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.
2021: Astros Sign Stealing Scandal Fallout
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.
2022: All-Star Selection
George Springer was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2022.
2022: All-Star Selection and Playoff Injury
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.
June 25, 2023: Moves to Second in All-Time Leadoff Home Runs
On June 25, 2023, Springer hit his 55th career leadoff home run, placing him second all-time in this category.
July 8, 2023: Paternity Leave
On July 8, 2023, Springer began his paternity leave in anticipation of the birth of his second child.
July 2023: Birth of Second Child
Springer's second child was born in July 2023.
September 24, 2023: Inside-the-Park Home Run
On September 24, 2023, Springer hit an inside-the-park home run against the Tampa Bay Rays.
2024: Struggles and Lineup Change
Springer struggled at the start of the 2024 season, resulting in a change in his batting order position.
