George Springer Honors Childhood Hockey Loyalties
As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to wrap up their 2025 season, veteran outfielder George Springer has decided to honor his childhood hockey loyalties in a unique way. The 36-year-old athlete’s Hartford Whalers-themed batting gloves are set to find a special place at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto once the baseball season concludes.
A Nostalgic Tribute
Born in New Britain, Connecticut, just a short drive from Hartford, Springer grew up during the final years of the Whalers before the team relocated to Carolina in 1997. The gloves serve as a nostalgic tribute to the franchise that once captivated his youth. Following the end of the regular season, the Hockey Hall of Fame will officially receive the gloves, indicating their appreciation for Springer’s homage to a beloved defunct team.
Springer’s Impressive Season
This season, Springer had an impressive showing, tallying 32 home runs, 84 runs batted in, and achieving a slugging percentage of .560, marking his best performance since a string of three consecutive All-Star appearances from 2017 to 2019. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Blue Jays to secure the American League East title for the first time since 2015.
Looking Ahead
The team is gearing up for the postseason, with their first playoff game set for October 4, where they will face the winner of the wild-card series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
