We all have to overcome obstacles to achieve success. Springer’s was stuttering.
George Springer was the 2017 World Series MVP. A great player, he’s one of the many reasons why the Houston Astros have achieved major league success.
But success didn’t come easily for Springer. He had to overcome a major obstacle to become an MLB star.
Springer grew up near Hartford, Connecticut. He developed a stutter at an early age and had trouble interacting with other kids. Feeling alone and isolated, Springer didn’t want to speak up in school. When the house phone rang, he never answered. He relied on his mom and sister to speak for him.
His family helped George by enrolling him in a small high school. His dad told George what he’d have to face: “There’s no back of the classroom anymore. There was no place to hide.”
Houston Chronicle
Teachers helped George by encouraging him to talk. Over time, Springer’s confidence grew–not only in the classroom but on the baseball diamond, too. He became a star.
But his parents still worried, concerned that George would be overwhelmed by being on such a big stage. Springer responded by taking a straightforward approach: say only what you need to say and, then, go play baseball.
One of the things he says is on behalf of “Say.” the Stuttering Association For The Young. The non-profit organization helps young people deal with the social, emotional, and physical impacts of stuttering. To help, Springer hosts a bowl-a-thon every year in Houston.
Let’s face it. We all have to overcome obstacles to achieve success. Springer’s was overcoming stuttering. And it’s why he’s such a great role model and motivator.
Watch Springer’s story via ESPN.
