Former Gateman is getting his hits with MLB's Houston Astros

Apr 20, 2014

On Wednesday, former Wareham Gateman and UConn outfielder George Springer was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to the Houston Astros, and by Wednesday evening, he already had his first Major League hit.

Springer, who played right field, had an infield hit in the second inning and later scored, capping his debut as a major-leaguer. He finished 1-for-5.

One of over 200 former Cape Cod Baseball League players to currently play in Major League Baseball, Springer spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the Gatemen, where he played 40 games, hitting .261 with a total of 35 hits, three home runs, and 25 RBIs. He was a first-round pick of the Astros in the 2011 MLB draft, chosen 11th. He’s widely known as one of the top prospects in baseball.

"It's a dream come true to get an opportunity like this," Springer was quoted as saying in an article on ESPN.com. ”I am looking forward to playing more games and helping this team win.”

The article also said there was a buzz around the park in Houston Wednesday, as Springer is expected to help bring a bit of a lift to a team who hasn’t played well for quite some time and is already of to a bad start this year.

Astros Manager Bo Porter has already named Springer his new starting right fielder, and since being entered into the starting lineup Wednesday, he’s hit safely in all four games he’s played.

Springer and Houston will visit Boston for a series against the Red Sox in August.