George Springer 2015 NB Person of the Year
By City Journal Staff at December 17, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Print
The New Britain City Journal has named George Springer the 2015 New Britain Person of the Year for inspiring our youth for greatness.
Springer, a member of the Houston Astros baseball team, said, “It’s an honor to be recognized in your hometown and to have an impact on anyone in the town is something special for me.”
Springer is both a baseball player and an spokesperson for the organization Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY).
“He has done amazing things on and off the field,” said Robin Vinci, Editor of the City Journal. “He is a fantastic role model and is inspiring New Britain children to reach their goals.”
“It is my job as an athlete and a person to do whatever I can to help whoever I can,” said Springer. “I want to help kids know there is a future to be whatever you want to be.”
Springer grew up in New Britain and has many great memories of the City.
“As a kid I looked up to Tebucky Jones. It was great to see a kid from New Britain do what they wanted to do and follow their dreams,” said Springer. “It comes with hard work. You need to put in the time and be the best person you can.”
Springer attended the University of Connecticut (UConn). At UConn, Springer was named to the 2009 Baseball America Freshman All-America First Team. He was also named the Big East Conference rookie of the year. In 2011, Springer was named the Big East Player of the Year. He was named to a first team All-American by Perfect Game USA, Louisville Slugger and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, while being named a Second Team All-American by Baseball America.
The Houston Astros selected Springer in the first round, with the 11th overall selection, in the 2011 MLB Draft. Springer became the highest selection in the MLB Draft in Connecticut baseball history.
Springer made his MLB debut on April 16, 2014, at Minute Maid Park against the Kansas City Royals. Batting second and playing right field, Springer collected his first career hit, an infield single, against Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. Springer hit the first home run of his MLB career on May 8, 2024 at Comerica Park off of Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Smyly. On June 26, Springer hit his 15th homerun, becoming the first Astros rookie to reach that mark before the All-Star break. In 78 games of 2014, Springer batted .231 with 20 home runs, 51 RBI, and struck out 114 times.
Springer’s father, George II, competed in the 1976 Little League World Series. Springer’s mother, Laura, competed as a top-level gymnast. Springer has two sisters, both of whom played softball in college.
He hosts the George Springer All-Star Bowling Benefit. It serves as a fundraiser for The George Springer Kids Fund, which was established to offer young people of all socioeconomic backgrounds financial aid assistance and access to Camp SAY.
Springer, who stutters, is the national spokesperson for Camp SAY. SAY is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers comprehensive and innovative programs that address the physical, social and emotional impact of stuttering. SAY offers Camp, after-school and weekend programs; Speech Therapy, and support groups.
Young people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to SAY programs, and in 2014 alone, more than $400,000 in financial aid is being awarded to families in need. See more at www.SAY.org.
“I am a product of everything I was taught,” said Springer. “I was fortunate enough to be around a lot of great people.”
