Lance Berkman was a big-time name during his prime. He was one of the best hitters in the MLB. The six-time all-star spent 15 seasons in the majors playing for four different teams.

The Texas native spent time playing for both Major League baseball teams in the state and was respected by many players and fans.

A look at Berkman’s career

The Houston Astros selected Berkman with the No. 16 pick in the 1997 MLB draft. During the 1999 season, he made his MLB debut. In his first season, he played in only 34 games batting .237 with four home runs and 15 RBIs. The next season Berkman saw a lot more playing time and took advantage of it. His batting average increased to .297, and he hit 21 home runs.

In just his third season, Berkman was named an all-star with the Astros. He batted over.300 that season and led the league in doubles with 55. He was started to become an efficient hitter at the plate. During his time in Houston, Berkman would go on to play in a total of five all-star games. Berkman was an essential piece to the 2005 team that made it to the World Series. The Astros lost to the White Sox that season.

It could not get any better for Berkman. Here you have a player playing for a professional team in his home state. He instantly became a fan favorite in Houston. Berkman spent 12 seasons playing for the Astros.

After his time in Houston, he spent one year with the New York Yankees, two years playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and one season with the Texas Rangers. Berkman was able to achieve something with the Cardinals that he did not do playing for the Astros, Yankees, or the Rangers.

Winning his only World Series title

While playing with the Cardinals, Berkman got a chance to win a ring. In 2011, he finished the regular season batting .301 hitting 31 home runs with 94 RBIs. At 35-years-old, Berkman made his final all-star game. You don’t see too many players having that kind of success at that age.

Not only was Berkman a part of a World Series team, but he also won the NL Comeback Player of the Year award. The Cardinals defeated the Rangers in the World Series in seven games. Berkman had a big game in Game 6 hitting two home runs in the first and ninth inning, helping the Cardinals to victory.

Looking back at Berkman’s career

Berkman ended his career with a .293 batting average while hitting 366 home runs. After some years after his retirement, Berkman found himself back in baseball coaching at the high school level. He was the head baseball coach for Second Baptist School in Houston, and in 2019 he stepped down after being there for four seasons.

Berkman had a lot of experience playing at the highest level for baseball. When his career was over, he continued to share the knowledge and experience he had with the younger generation. The outfielder and first basemen worked hard to get to the league, and when he got there, he only became better.