Lance Berkman

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Berkman's relationship with the Astros began when he was selected 16th overall in the 1997 draft. Initially a first baseman, he shifted to the outfield upon his 1999 debut because Jeff Bagwell was entrenched at that position. This move unlocked his potential as a starter; by 2000, he played primarily left field and posted a .297 average with 21 home runs. His offensive peak came in 2001, when he hit .331 (4th in the NL), drove in 126 runs, and led the league with 55 doubles, earning his first All-Star nod and finishing 5th in MVP voting. In 2002, despite a lower average of .292, he crushed 42 home runs and led the league with 128 RBIs. Berkman was also known for his colorful personality; during a June 1 game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, fans waved Twinkies at him. He famously asked for one to be thrown into his glove, ate it live on camera, and hit a home run in the next inning, sparking "Twinkie Power" chants.

In Their Own Story

The 2005 National League Division Series remains a defining chapter of Berkman's career with Houston. In Game 4 against the Atlanta Braves, he hit a grand slam in the 8th inning to tie the game at 6-6 after being down 6-5. The contest stretched into extra innings, becoming the longest playoff game in Major League Baseball history at 18 innings. Berkman was replaced as a pinch runner by Chris Burke in the 10th, but his offensive contributions were vital. Although the Astros eventually lost the World Series to the Chicago White Sox in four games, Berkman finished that series with a .385 batting average and two doubles, recording six RBIs—the most of any Astro hitter. Later, on May 14, 2006, he participated in a league-wide initiative by brandishing a pink bat on Mother's Day to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Reader's Guide

Berkman's time with Houston concluded when he was traded to the New York Yankees at the 2010 trade deadline after signing a six-year, $85-million deal in March 2005. He later returned briefly for the Texas Rangers in 2013 before officially retiring as an Astro on a one-day contract. His career totals with the franchise include six All-Star appearances (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008) and a reputation for elite plate discipline; he is one of only four players in history to draw at least 90 walks in nine consecutive seasons. In the outfield, Berkman's versatility was unmatched among his peers, spending various seasons as a regular at left, center, and right field. His career OPS of .943 ranks 32nd in major league history, supported by six seasons with an OPS+ of 150 or higher.

Did You Know?

• Berkman hit a game-tying single in the bottom of the tenth inning of Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, helping the Cardinals force a decisive Game 7, which they won to claim the championship.
• In 2013, he purchased a fire truck and donated it to the City of West, Texas, following the West Fertilizer Company explosion.
• His jersey number 23 was retired by Canyon High School on March 2, 2023, and is displayed on their right-field wall.
• Berkman played collegiate summer baseball in 1996 with the Wareham Gatemen, winning the Thurman Munson Award for leading all hitters with a .352 average.