Houston Astro George Springer stepped up to the plate in a big way Monday night, hosting a bowling party at Lucky Strike to officially launch the George Springer Kids Fund. Proceeds from the "All-Star Bowling Benefit" will help children with stuttering problems attend Camp SAY in Henderson, N.C.
Springer has dealt with stuttering issues throughout his life but refused to let his speech problem interfere with his success. The Astros outfielder hopes to pass that determination and confidence on to youngsters and he serves as a national spokesman for the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY). SAY founder Taro Alexander was in from New York to help raise funds and raise the spirits of special guests — youngsters who stutter.
There were cheers all around as Springer announced the celebrity bowling captains — E Street Band percussionist and SAY board member Everett Bradley, Astro Carlos Correa, High-Tech Texan Michael Garfield, New York Yankees pitching legend "Louisiana Lightning" Ron Guidry, philanthropist Carolyn Farb, former Houston Texan Chester Pitts, former Houston Oiler Haywood Jeffires, KPRC's Kambrel Marshall and KTRK's David Nuno.
Astros front office honchos came out in support of Springer including team owner Jim Crane, manager A.J. Hinch, and president of business operations Reid Ryan. Team members aiming for strikes included Carlos Correa, Preston Tucker, Lance McCullers and Vincent Velasquez.
Among the 200 fans helping raise more than $100,000 were Johanna and Mike Chryssiko, Whitney Wheeler, Roy Marsh, Lara Bell and Brent Milam, Gabe Canales, Julianna Padilla, Laurette Veres, Rob Todd and Dinah Lin.
Parker Wright, Astros manager A.J. Hinch and Doug Wright.
