Biography of Baseball Player Lance Berkman

Lance Berkman was born on February 10, 1976 in Waco, Texas. He grew up throughout school in Texas and chose to remain in the state for college when he began attending Rice University. During his time at Rice, he set the single season and career records for home runs, RBI, runs, total bases, and slugging percentage. He also had the second highest batting average of all-time.

In 1997 as a junior at Rice, Lance Berkman hit .431 and was named Player of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. He helped lead Rice University to their first ever College World Series appearance. After his junior season, he entered the Major League Baseball Draft where he was selected 16th overall by the Houston Astros.

After being drafted, the Astros sent Lance Berkman to their class A minor league team. He spent one year there and then was transferred to the class AA team. Halfway through the season, the Astros moved him to the class AAA team where his true talent began to become evident. Halfway through the 1999 season, he was brought up to the Major Leagues.

Lance Berkman made his Major League Baseball debut on July 16, 1999. During his first shortened season, he finished with a .237 batting average, 4 home runs, and 15 RBI. Based on his poor results, he was sent back down to the minor, but the following season he was brought right back up. He began to play better for the Astros and earned himself the starting position in left field.

During the 2001 season, Lance Berkman finished with a .331 average which was good enough for fourth in the National League. He also led the National League with 55 doubles. His impressive season earned him a spot on the All-Star Team and fifth place in the MVP voting.

The following year, in 2002, Lance Berkman once again showed his natural talent at the plate. With more impressive statistics including 42 home runs, he finished third in the MVP voting after the 2002 season.

In 2003, Lance Berkman had his worst season since becoming a starter when all of his statistics dropped, some significantly. He returned to form in 2004, however, batting .316 with 30 home runs and 106 RBI. He once again made the All-Star Team and finished 2nd in the Home Run Derby. He followed up his 2004 season with another strong effort in 2005, although he missed out an All-Star appearance.

Lance Berkman is a four time All-Star, having been invited in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006. He ranks 17th all-time in Major League Baseball in OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage).