George Springer inspired an incredible moment at benefit for kids who stutter
Houston Astros outfielder George Springer did something Sunday that far outweighs anything he’s accomplished on a baseball field. He served as the inspiration for kids with stutters to do an incredibly brave thing.
Springer grew up with a severe stutter that he was able to manage after years of speech therapy. In recent years, Springer has used his platform to help and inspire others dealing with stutters.
Springer hosted his annual bowling event benefitting the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) on Sunday. At some point during the event, Springer spoke to the media. Some of the kids saw that, and it led to this unbelievably touching moment.
After G. Springer addressed the media at his bowling benefit for kids who stutter, several campers watching the interviews asked if they could give it it try, too. This was a first, & it was not planned. This won’t get as much attention as the headline ballplayer, but it should. pic.twitter.com/U7RaYM97Zo
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) July 9, 2018
The kids at the event were inspired to give their own interviews after seeing Springer address the media. As MLB.com’s Alyson Footer explained, that was completely unplanned.
The first kid who spoke, Brogan Walters, had nothing but positive things to say about Springer.
Camp SAY camper Brogan Walters was the first kid to ask to be interviewed. He’s awesome. On meeting George Springer: “He’s like the biggest person I’ve ever met. And he’s very nice. Probably the nicest man I’ve met.” pic.twitter.com/fK37TvOjr0
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) July 9, 2018
During the 2017 All-Star Game, Springer wore a mic on the field for an in-game interview. At the time, he told MLB.com’s Richard Justice why it was important for him to take that step.
“I can’t spread a message to kids and adults if I’m not willing to put myself out there. I understand I’m going to stutter. I don’t care. It is what it is. It’s not going to stop me from talking and having fun.”
Springer might get a chance to do that again. The 28-year-old was named to his second-straight All-Star team Sunday.
As awesome as that is, what Springer accomplished away from the field Sunday is far more important.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
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