Houston Astros legend Lance Berkman to be inducted into the 2024 Houston Sports Hall of Fame

The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority announced Berkman was selected for induction on Thursday afternoon.

The HCHSA states that Berkman is definitely deserving of a spot in the esteemed 2024 Hall of Fame class due to his unwavering passion for baseball at all levels and his indisputable influence on the city of Houston.

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“To be included with other great athletes who have competed here in the city of Houston, you can’t really put words to it,” Berkman said. “It’s certainly a great honour to me, and getting to be in there with a couple of my former teammates is just the icing on the cake.”

Texas native Berkman played for the Astros from 1999 to 2010, spending the most of his professional career in the state. In his undergraduate career, he was a player for Rice University, where he contributed to the Owls’ 1997 undergraduate World Series victory.

The Astros selected him in the same year’s draught, and he made his Major League Baseball debut in 1999. One of the most adored players in Houston’s history, Berkman spent 12 seasons there. With 326 home runs, 1,090 runs batted in, and a.296 batting average, he was rather impressive.

Berkman’s five All-Star selections earned him a spot among the Astros’ “Killer B’s,” a group of players whose last names began with the letter B that also included Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.

“Lance Berkman’s legendary impact made him a perfect addition to the 2024 class,” stated Daniel Gotera, Senior Director of Communications for Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. “A seasoned clutch hitter, Lance played a key role in the Astros’ 2005 World Series win and their early 2000s postseason runs. One of the greatest players to ever don the outfit was “The Big Puma.”

Following his departure from Houston, Berkman played for the New York Yankees for two seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals for one season, and the Texas Rangers for one season. He helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 2011 and was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year.

 

In order to formally retire from the Astros on April 5, 2014, Berkman signed a one-day deal with the team.

The six-time All-Star has committed himself to social and community-focused endeavours off the baseball field. He has actively supported several Houston-based nonprofit organisations, making a lasting impression on the community.

After being the baseball coach at the University of St. Thomas and Second Baptist School, where he guided the team to a TAPPS State Title in 2016, Berkman is currently the head coach at Houston Christian University (HCU).