Against all odds, George Springer is a World Champion
World Series champion George Springer wasn’t always the outgoing, confident star that he is now, overcoming many obstacles on his was to stardom.
The road to the World Series Championship and MVP honors was not an easy climb for Houston Astros outfielder George Springer. Growing up, Springer overcame a speech impediment, a frustrating struggle that defined him for years.
The slogan for the Astros’ postseason run was “earn it,” which Springer certainly has done his entire life. Not only was it a frustrating setback, but it also created problems at school and in public, being made fun of by heartless children.
Springer now eloquently states what those struggles were growing up, sharing the details with ESPN’s Sportscenter.
George Springer overcomes stutter with confidence
George Springer overcomes stutter with confidence.SAY.org | CampSAY.org
Posted by The Stuttering Association for the Young on Tuesday, October 31, 2017
"“Extremely isolating. Debilitating. It’s the worst feeling you can have to know whatever it is you have to say; you can’t say it.”"
Springer used baseball as an outlet in high school, where he embraced who he was, finally letting his outgoing self out for the world to see. He even danced and sung to the 80’s classic “Girl’s Just Want to Have Fun,” easing the tension on the team before a critical game in high school.
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After his youth, he became a baseball standout at the University of Connecticut, using that success in earning the 11th selection in the 2011 MLB draft. After that great honor, he now was speaking in front of millions, where he was apprehensive to speak to the media outlets at first but bravely did so anyway.
Now, he isn’t afraid to let his stuttering hold him back, not ashamed of who is. In fact, Springer uses his demons to help others, starting a foundation called “SAY” (Stuttering Association for the Young).
It addresses the social, physical, emotional impacts that stuttering provides, helping those who suffer as he does.
Springer doesn’t like the stigma attached to it, not letting anything hold him back for fulfilling his destiny.
"“I’m not a big fan of speech impediment because it doesn’t stop me. You can’t control it, so you might as go out and be who you are and enjoy your life.”"
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George Springer certainly is doing that, after helping the Houston Astros win their first ever Commissioner’s Trophy, cementing himself into MLB stardom both on and off the field.
If you’d like to donate to SAY or even seek assistance yourself, you can visit the website here.