Mike Springer

From 1965 to 1968 Mike Springer earned nine varsity letters at Astoria High School. Two of those letters came as a result of his play on the basketball hardwoods; another three came via Mike’s talents on the gridiron, where he was a versatile all purpose back for the Fishermen, playing a variety of positions: running back, wide receiver and kick returner. In the fall of 1967, Mike was a team captain for the Fishermen.

However, Mike’s athletic prowess showed up on the baseball diamond where he was a four- year starter at first base. In the always- tough Metro League Mike earned All-League honors during three consecutive seasons (1966-1968). Playing on some very competitive Fisherman teams (they racked up 53 wins against 50 losses) Mike led the way for his coaches and teammates. In 1967 Mike led not only the Metro League, but also the State in batting average, as he belted out a season’s average of .537 for all games, and a.488 in Metro League action. During this season Mike also led the league in extra base hits.

Following Springer’s senior season he was selected to play in the Metro Vs. State All-Star series featuring Oregon’s best senior diamondmen. Mike did not disappoint, collecting 3 hits during the series.

After graduation from Astoria High, Mike ventured to McMinnville, Oregon on a combination football/baseball scholarship. However, because he had suffered a broken back during his senior football season, Mike chose to focus on baseball. And, what a great decision that proved to be. His success at the high school level carried over to the Wildcat diamond where he was a four-year starter at first base for Linfield College. Springer achieved All-Conference Honorable Mention three times (1970-1972), while his team captured two Northwest Conference titles (1970-1971). That 1971 team went to the NAIA National Championship series where they won the national crown.

During that title run in Arizona, Mike led his team and all other teams in hits (13) and drove home the winner in the tenth inning of the title game (one of his 4 hits on the day). His thirteen hits set a tourney record that stood for many years. In addition Springer also won the Bronze Glove for his outstanding defensive play throughout that tournament. Five years later Mike was named to the 20 year All Anniversary, All Tournament Team. In 2001 Mike and his teammates from that title team were inducted into the Linfield College Hall of Fame.

Needless to say, Mike Springer was and still is the most highly decorated and successful baseball player in the annals of Astoria High School.