Springer returns to Astros wearing UConn football helmet, per coach's orders
The Houston Astros welcomed back high-flying outfielder George Springer on Friday, activating him from the 15-day disabled list. Springer had been out of action for the Astros since undergoing surgery on his wrist in early July. Even before that, he had to go through with the concussion protocol after making a tumbling catch and smacking into the outfield wall back in May.
It's within this context that Springer addressed the media in the Astros' clubhouse on Friday wearing a UConn football helmet.
No, this isn't some quirky Ricky Williams-esque interview requirement: Springer, from New Britain, Connecticut, played collegiate baseball at UConn.
Apparently, as you'll see in the tweets below from various members of the Houston sports media, Springer wore this helmet on recommendation from his former college coach:
George Springer wearing a UConn football helmet as he talks to the media before his return to #Astros lineup. pic.twitter.com/I7MUP4gevb
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 4, 2015
Springer came to clubhouse wearing #UConn fb helmet.Said old coach told him to wear,if he runs into wall #abc13sports pic.twitter.com/taon6jc2y9
— David Nuño (@DavidNunoABC13) September 4, 2015
George Springer is back, wearing helmet b/c his coach at UCONN said do it to rep UCONN & protection when hitting wall pic.twitter.com/GbZVEGuKqN
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 4, 2015
And now the helmet is off as Springer talks. He's excited to be back. #Astros pic.twitter.com/pIe6iQCRaK
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 4, 2015
With the Astros clinging perilously to a two-game lead in the AL West entering play Friday, they're surely keeping their fingers crossed that Springer doesn't wind up crashing around the outfield again (or taking pitches to his hand, which resulted in the wrist fracture).
They could use his bat and defense over the next few weeks.
(h/t Twitter)