George Bjorkman’s First MLB Hit

Correspondence date: Apr. 2012

Most ballplayers hope to make a good impression during their first Major League game, proving that they are worthy to be on a Major League roster. Catcher George Bjorkman wasted no time in showing how productive he can be. Although his Astros team would lose to the New York Mets by a score of 7-5 during his debut on July 10, 1983, it wasn’t from a lack of effort on his part. Serving as Houston’s starting catcher, Mr. Bjorkman would single to left field during the 6th inning, driving in All-Star Jose Cruz in the process. His first Major League hit would yield an RBI that would help put the Astros ahead until being victimized by a Mets rally in the game’s later innings.

I was curious to get Mr. Bjorkman’s insight on how he felt while getting his first Major League hit. When I asked him this question, however, I erroneously mentioned that his hit occurred during his first at-bat, to which Mr. Bjorkman offered a swift correction and explanation.

“Actually, I did get a hit in my first game but not my first at bat. We were playing a Sunday game at Shea- it was an absolutely perfect day and my first at bat I hit a bullet to George Foster in left- it was too bad because had I gotten under it a little I have no doubt it would have gone out- I hit it right on the screws.”

Despite not going yard in his debut at-bat, Mr. Bjorkman would end up belting 2 homers in his limited time as an Astro- both against the Montreal Expos on 2 separate occasions. He made his homers count, with both coming with men on base. His first home run – a 3-run shot on July 13, 1983 – helped Houston beat the Expos 9-4, and was part of Mr. Bjorkman’s 5-RBI onslaught that day.

He may have missed out on a homer during his first at-bat, but Mr. Bjorkman proved that he could come through in the clutch, given the opportunity.

On deck: Mr. Bjorkman tells me what it was like being Nolan Ryan’s batterymate.

George Bjorkman’s Draft Experience

Correspondence date: Apr. 2012

George Bjorkman played pro baseball between 1978 and 1985, serving as a catcher in the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos organizations. He would get his big break in 1983 as a mid-season call-up for the Astros. In his only Major League season, Mr. Bjorkman would play in 29 games and hit .227 with 2 homeruns and 14 RBI. He would also throw out 8 baserunners who attempted to steal on him during the season.

Mr. Bjorkman was drafted by the Cardinals in the 4th round of the 1978 amateur draft, out of Oral Roberts University. I was curious to know what his draft experience was like coming out of ORU.

“I had never been drafted before, kind of unusual for a college senior. I was shocked when I learned the Cardinals had drafted me…I didn’t know they were interested nor had I ever talked with them. I had talked to a Rangers scout and Dodger scout and often wonder how my career would have been different had I been drafted by either of them.”

It seems as though Mr. Bjorkman must have impressed some scouts during his senior year, which no doubt contributed to him finally being given the attention that most other college prospects experience. Looking back, perhaps it may have been more advantageous (and exciting) for him to be drafted by his hometown Rangers instead of the Cardinals. However, Mr. Bjorkman should not have any regrets about his time in pro ball and his half-season in the Majors- an accomplishment most minor leaguers never get to experience.

On deck: Mr. Bjorkman talks about his first MLB hit.