Springer led all of MiLB in homeruns at that point (18). He would knock out two more during the All Star game on his way to MVP honors. The thing about watching Springer, especially in this game, was the way that he appeared head and shoulders above his peers. He truly looked like a man playing against boys. This would also turn out to be Springer’s final game at the AA level. He was promoted to AAA following the game. I tell this story because a couple of seasons later I witnessed a similar situation with another player.
The KC Royals Hunter Dozier, who entered the 2017 season as the team’s #2 prospect per minorleagueball.