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Lance Berkman

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Lance Berkman
Berkman with the Houston Astros in 2009
Outfielder/First baseman
Born:(1976-02-10)February 10, 1976(age 48)
Waco, Texas,U.S.
Batted:Switch
Threw:Left
MLB debut
July 16, 1999, for the Houston Astros
Last MLB appearance
September 17, 2013, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Batting average.293
Home runs366
Runs batted in1,234
Teams
Career highlights and awards

William Lance Berkman(born February 10, 1976), nicknamed "Fat Elvis"and"Big Puma",is an Americanbaseballcoach and formerprofessional baseballoutfielderandfirst baseman,who is the former head baseball coach of theHouston Christian Huskies.He played 15 seasons inMajor League Baseball(MLB) for theHouston Astros,New York Yankees,St. Louis CardinalsandTexas Rangers.Berkman is a six-timeMLB All-Starand won aWorld Serieschampionship and theNational League Comeback Player of the Year Awardwith the Cardinals in 2011. He stands 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), and weighs 220 pounds (100 kg). Berkman spent various seasons of his career as a regular at all threeoutfieldpositions.

A standout baseball player atCanyon High School,Berkman attendedRice University,where he playedcollege baseballfor theOwls.The Astros selected Berkman in the first round ofthat year'samateur draft, and he debuted in the major leagues in 1999. He joined the Astros' vaunted "Killer B's"lineup that includedJeff BagwellandCraig Biggioas all three players were instrumental in the club'splayoffsuccess. The Astros traded Berkman to the Yankees at the 2010 trade deadline. He signed with the Cardinals as afree agentfor the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Berkman played a key part in the Cardinals winning the2011 World Series,hitting a game-tying single in the bottom of the tenth inning of Game 6, with the Cardinals just one strike away from elimination. He played the 2013 season with the Rangers before signing a one-day contract with Houston to officially retire as an Astro. In fifteen seasons of baseball, he had anAdjusted On-base plus slugging(OPS)+ at 150 or above six times (the baseline average is 100) while having 100 walks in a seasons three times and 100 RBIs in a season six times. Among OPS leaders all-time, he is tied for 30th all-time while being 23rd among players with less than 10,000 plate appearances.[1]

Active in charity work,Forbesrecognized him on their list of "30 most generous celebrities" in 2012.[2]He has led a group called "Berkman's Bunch," an outreach for 50 underprivileged kids to meet Berkman before each Saturday home game for autographs and other gifts. In 2013, he purchased afire truckand donated it to the City ofWest, Texas,after theWest Fertilizer Company explosion.

Early life

[edit]

Berkman was born inWaco, Texas,the son of Cynthia Ann (née Thomas) and Larry Gene Berkman.[3][4][5]His paternal grandfather, whose family's surname was originally "Björkman", was of Swedish descent.[5]Berkman graduated fromCanyon High SchoolinNew Braunfels, Texas,in 1994.

College career

[edit]

Berkman then attendedRice Universityplaying on theOwls baseball team,where he played for the legendaryWayne Graham,and was named a first team All-America by Collegiate Baseball Magazine,Baseball AmericaandThe Sporting News.[6]He was invited to visit theWhite Houseand dined withPresident Clintonalong with the rest of theBaseball Americahonorees.

Throughout college, he batted a collective.385 with 67 home runs and 272 RBI. His 41 home runs in 1997 ranked third-most in NCAA history. That year he also made the all-time record book in RBIs (2nd-134), slugging percentage (6th-1.031) and total bases (4th-263) while leading the Rice Owls to theirfirst College World Series appearance.[7]

In 1996, he playedcollegiate summer baseballwith theWareham Gatemenof theCape Cod Baseball League(CCBL), where he won the league's Thurman Munson Award for leading all hitters with a.352 batting average.[8]Berkman was named to theCCBL Hall of Famein 2023.[9]

Berkman returned to Rice in 2014 to finish his degree.[10]

Professional career

[edit]

Draft and minor leagues

[edit]

TheHouston AstrosofMajor League Baseball(MLB) selected Berkman in the first round, with the 16th overall selection, of the1997 MLB draft.[11]The team assigned him to play with theKissimmee Cobras,theirClass A-Advancedaffiliate, of theFlorida State League.In 53 games, he hit.293 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI.

In1998,his second minor league season, the Astros promoted Berkman to theJackson Generalsof theClass AASouthern League.His potential was beginning to show, as he hit.306 with 24 home runs and 89 RBI over 122 games. The Astros granted him a mid-season promotion to theNew Orleans Zephyrsof theClass AAAPacific Coast League.He played 17 games in New Orleans, and 1998 would prove to be his last full season in the minor leagues. In1999,Berkman was midway through a great season in New Orleans when he was called up to the parent club, the Houston Astros. Prior to the promotion, he had been hitting.323 with 8 home runs and 49 RBI through 64 games.

Houston Astros (1999–2010)

[edit]

1999–2004: Early Astros career

[edit]

Throughout his entire high school, college, and minor league career, Berkman had almost exclusively played first base. The Astros, who called him up to the major leagues for the first time in1999and already hadJeff Bagwellentrenched at first, shifted Berkman to theoutfieldso he could regularly hit in the starting lineup. Because of his last name and reputation as a strong hitter, Berkman gained distinction as one of the Astros' "Killer B's" early in his career, which included Bagwell andCraig Biggio,two formidable veteran players who helped established the club as perennialplayoffcontenders in the 1990s and 2000s. In fact, journalistDayn Perryjocosely noted in 1999 that the Astros, "in pursuit of arcane history, used eight players whose last names began with 'B.'"[12]The eight included Bagwell,Paul Bako,Glen Barker,Derek Bell,Sean Berry,Berkman, Biggio, andTim Bogar.[13]After appearing in 34 games in 1999, Houston demoted Berkman to the minor leagues for more seasoning.

The demotion proved brief, however; 31 games into the2000season, Houston again promoted Berkman. Moving from left field toright field,he dramatically increased his offensive production by hitting.297 with 21 home runs and 67 RBI, resulting in him becoming a starter for the rest of his career in Houston. Berkman would receive a single vote in 2000National League Rookie of the Yearvoting, tying him for sixth place withJuan PierreandChuck Smith.[14]In2001,Berkman hit.331, fourth in theNational League(NL), posted a.430on-base percentage(OBP) (5th in the NL), and drove in 126 runs (7th in the league). He also scored 110 runs and hit 34 home runs, while his 55 doubles led the league. 2001 also marked his first All-Star appearance (he would repeat in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008) and he was 5th inMost Valuable Playervoting.[15]

2002 saw his batting average drop to.292, although he kept his OBP high at.405. His power output increased also, resulting in 42 home runs. Berkman scored 106 runs and drove in 128, good enough to lead the league. He made his second All-Star appearance and was third in the NL in the Most Valuable Player voting.[15]

In2003,Berkman's batting average dipped to.288, but his OBP remained high at.412. He hit 25 home runs, and drove in 93 runs, scoring 110. In the field, he played every game inleft field,moving to center field once.[15]Berkman also continued his reputation for being colorful and outspoken, advocating for the use of instant replay in games.[16]In a game against theChicago CubsatWrigley Field,fans waved twinkies at Berkman during the a pitching change in the seventh inning on June 1. He responded by asking for twinkies to be thrown to his glove, and when two came to him, he proceeded to eat one of them while putting the other in his pocket. He subsequently hit a home run in the next innings earning chants of "Twinkie Power" when he came back to the field in the ninth.[17][18]

In May2004,Berkman produced a.785slugging percentagewith 24 RBI winning the National LeaguePlayer of the Monthhonors for the first time in his career.[19]Berkman made the All-Star team, his third All-Star appearance,[15]and placed second in the 2004Home Run DerbybehindMiguel Tejada.[20]He hit the longest home run of the tournament at 497 feet (151 m).[21]Berkman's average for the season increased to.316 from the year before, and his OBP was.450, having walked 127 times. He hit 30 home runs, drove in 106, and scored 104 runs. He also hit 40 doubles and appeared in 160 games, the most in his career for a single season. Defensively, Berkman split 2004 between left and right field. Berkman would finish 7th inMost Valuable Playervoting.[15]

2005–10

[edit]

Berkman signed a six-year, $85-million deal in March 2005.[22]He moved to first base early in the2005season while Bagwell spent a significant portion of the season injured. Berkman ended the season with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs. He would finish tied for 14th withBobby AbreuinNL MVPvoting.

Berkman in 2008

In Game 4 of the2005 National League Division Seriesagainst theAtlanta Braves,Berkman hit agrand slamin the 8th inning. That brought the score to 6–5 in favor of the Braves, but the game was tied in the next inning on a two-out solo home run byBrad Ausmus.The teams then battled for 9 more innings in what became the longest game inMajor League Baseball playoffhistory, with the Astros eventually winning the game (and the series) in the bottom of the 18th inning on aChris Burkehome run. Burke had replaced Berkman as a pinch runner in the 10th. In the2005 World Series,Berkman's first, the Astros were swept by theChicago White Soxin four games, though Berkman compiled a.385 average with two doubles. His six RBIs during that series were the most of any of the Astros' hitters.

OnMother's Day,May 14, 2006, Berkman was one of more than 50 hitters who brandished apink batto benefit theBreast Cancer Foundation.[23]On September 13, 2006, Berkman became only the secondswitch hitterin Major League history to hit 40 or more homers in multiple seasons, withMickey Mantlebeing the first.[24]

During the2006 season,Berkman hit 45 home runs and had 136 RBI. He broke the Astros' single season record for RBI, previously set by Bagwell in 1997 with 135.[25]He also had a.315 batting average, an on-base percentage of.420, as well as a slugging percentage of.621.[15]He also hit a career high 5 home runs from the right side of the plate.[26]He finished third in the MVP voting behindRyan HowardandAlbert Pujols.[27]

Berkman started the2007 seasonin a bit of a slump,[28]batting.261, well below his career average, but rebounded for a strong second half of the season. Berkman finished the 2007 season with a.278 batting average, 34 home runs and 102 RBIs, along with 7 stolen bases.

Berkman started the2008 seasonbatting well above.385 through April, won the NLPlayer of the Monthin May and two separatePlayer of the Weekawards, one which he went 29–32 (batted.906) with 6 home runs, including aMcCovey Covesplash landing.[29]At the All-Star break, he was in the NL's top four in batting average, with 22 home runs, and was on pace for 130+ RBIs. However, despite the rest of the team picking up steam behind the likes ofRoy Oswalt,Wandy Rodríguez,Hunter Pence,andTy Wigginton's rebound second half, Berkman's individual performance dipped significantly, and by season's end, he batted.312, with 29 home runs (7 of which were right-handed, setting a new career high), 106 RBI, and an NL-leading 46 doubles. Berkman was fifth in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, behindAlbert Pujols,Ryan Howard,Ryan Braun,andManny Ramirez.[30]

Berkman hit his 300th home run againstArizona DiamondbacksstarterJon Garlandon June 13, 2009.[31]

New York Yankees (2010)

[edit]
Berkman during his tenure with theNew York Yankees in 2010

On July 31, 2010, Berkman was traded to theNew York Yankeesfor minor leaguersJimmy ParedesandMark Melancon.[32][33]He served as both adesignated hitterand backupfirst basemanduring his tenure with New York. During the2010 ALCS,Berkman served first base for the rest of the post-season whenMark Teixeirawent on the disabled list due to a hamstring injury. The Yankees eventually lost the ALCS to theTexas Rangersin 6 games.

The Yankees announced on October 27 that the club declined to exercise their option for Berkman for 2011.[34]

St. Louis Cardinals (2011–2012)

[edit]

2011 season: Comeback and World Series championship

[edit]

Berkman was under contract with the Cardinals for the2011and2012seasons. An advertisement was made of him because he was unable to wear no. 17, and many other numbers, as they were all retired.[35]

On July 5, 2011, Berkman hit his 350th career home run, and his long-ball was the second farthest home run ever hit in the newBusch Stadium.

2011 became a comeback year for Berkman, as he was one of the team leaders in batting average, home runs and RBI. He was named theNL Comeback Player of the Year.Berkman would also finish 7th inNL MVPvoting, the sixth and final time he would finish inside the top ten in MVP voting.

Berkman playing for theSt. Louis Cardinals in 2011

Berkman made key contributions in Game 6 of the2011 World Seriesagainst theTexas Rangers.He hit his first home run in a World Series game in the first inning and in the ninth, with St. Louis down to their final strike before elimination, Berkman was driven home followed byAlbert Pujolsafter a game-tying 2-run triple byDavid Freese.[36]After Texas scored two runs in the top of the tenth andRyan Theriothit a run-scoring groundout, Berkman hit a two-out two-strike RBI single scoringJon Jayto tie the game. Berkman won his first World Series championship as the Cardinals defeated the Texas Rangers in the series in 7 games.

2012 season

[edit]

On April 22, 2012, Berkman was placed on the disabled list due to a calf injury. On May 21, 2012, Berkman was again placed on the disabled list due to right knee injury. An MRI revealed that there was significant cartilage damage to both sides of the knee and a torn meniscus, requiring arthroscopic surgery. Berkman returned on July 14, 2012. He was then placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 3, 2012 due to knee inflammation. It was the third time Berkman went on the DL in the 2012 season. On September 10, 2012, he was again put on the disabled list after having to go for a secondary meniscus surgery in the same knee. On October, 3rd, 2012, Berkman had his last at bat as a Cardinal. He spent the 2012 postseason on the physically unable to perform list as the Cardinals won the2012 NLDSagainst theWashington Nationalsbut lost the2012 NLCSagainst theSan Francisco Giants.

Texas Rangers

[edit]
Berkman with theTexas Rangers in 2013spring training

On January 5, 2013, Berkman agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers for approximately $10 million.[37]In 73 games, Berkman hit.242 with six home runs and 34 RBIs in 256 at bats. On October 31, the Rangers declined his option, which made him a free agent.[38]On January 29, 2014, he decided to retire.[39]Berkman, along with former teammateRoy Oswaltsigned a one-day contract with Houston to officially retire as a member of the Astros on April 5, 2014.[40]

Career statistics

[edit]

In 1,879 games over 15 seasons, Berkman posted a.293batting average(1,905-for-6,491) with 1,146runs,422doubles,30triples,366home runs,1,234RBI,86stolen bases,1,201bases on balls,.406on-base percentageand.537slugging percentage.He finished his career with a.991fielding percentageplaying at all three outfield positions and first base. In 52 postseason games, he hit.317 (59-for-186) with 38 runs, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, 41 RBI and 31 walks.[15]

Coaching career

[edit]
Berkman (right) as Houston Christian head coach withMichigan StatecoachJake Bossbefore a 2022 game
Coaching career (HCunless noted)
2016–2019Second Baptist
2020–2021St. Thomas(assistant)
2022–2024Houston Christian
Head coaching record
Overall47–104 (.311) (college)

In 2009, Berkman stated that after his major league career he would like to coach baseball at theUniversity of Texas at Austineven though he attendedRice University.Since he didn't finish his degree at Rice, he would need to return to school and complete three more semesters to earn abusinessdegree with a minor insports management.He hypothesized then that "I know [Texas Coach Augie] Garrido's going to coach four or five more years. I figured that might dovetail nicely with the end of my career."[41]With Berkman's retirement in 2014, however, it is at his alma mater, Rice, that the former Owl has spent time assisting young hitters. Rice coachWayne Grahamhas made it clear that Rice would be interested, stating that "[i]t sounds like he wants to coach. Hopefully at one time or another it will be here. We’ll manage to always find a place for him."[42]

As of 2015, Berkman is serving as the head baseball coach atSecond Baptist Schoolin Houston, Texas, along with his former Astros teammateAndy Pettitteserving as assistant coach.[43]Berkman and Pettitte led Second Baptist to a Tapps State Title in 2016.

Berkman was eligible for theBaseball Hall of Famein 2019. He received 5 votes, or 1.4%, which is less than 5% threshold and became thus ineligible for further consideration.[44]

He was an assistant manager for theUniversity of St. Thomasbaseball team during the 2021 season.[45]

On May 31, 2021, Berkman was named the head baseball coach of theHouston Christian Huskies.[46]

On May 24, 2024, Berkman announced he was stepping down from his head coaching position at HCU.[47]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Houston Baptist/Christian Huskies(Southland Conference)(2022–2024)
2022 Houston Baptist 18–36 11–13 6th
2023 Houston Christian 11–37 7–16 9th
2024 Houston Christian 18–31 9–15 9th
Houston Baptist: 47–104 (.311) 27–44 (.380)
Total: 47–104 (.311)

National champion Postseason invitational champion
Conference regular season champion Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
Division regular season champion Division regular season and conference tournament champion
Conference tournament champion

Career achievements

[edit]
Berkman (left) with PresidentBarack(center) and First LadyMichelle Obamaat theWhite Housein 2012
Championships earned or shared
Title Times Dates Ref
National Leaguechampion 2 2005,2011
World Serieschampion 1 2011
Honors received
Title Date Ref
Texas Sports Hall of Fameinductee 2009
Awards
Statistical achievements

Notes:PerBaseball-Reference.

National League statistical leader
Category Times Dates
Doubles leader 2 2001,2008
Runs batted in leader 1 2002
National League top-ten ranking
Category Times Seasons Category Times Seasons
Adjusted on-base plus slugging 6 2001, 2004−06, 2008, 2011 Home runs 4 2002, 2006, 2007, 2011
Bases on balls 10 2001−09, 2011 On-base percentage 9 2001−06, 2008, 2009, 2011
Batting average 4 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008 On-base plus sluggingpercentage 7 2006–08, 2010–13
Runs batted in 5 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008
Doubles 2 2001, 2008 Runsscored 3 2002, 2003, 2008
Extra base hits 4 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008 Slugging percentage 5 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2011
Games played 3 2002, 2004, 2008
Hits 1 2001 Times on base 7 2001−04, 2006, 2008, 2011
Total bases 4 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008
  • Hit better than.300 five times, with a career high batting average of.331 in 2001.
  • 43rd all-time in on-base percentage (.406).
  • 40th all-time inslugging percentage(.537).
  • 28th all-time inOPS(.943).
  • National League record holder for most single season RBIs (136) as a switch hitter.
  • National League record holder for most single season Home Runs (45) as a switch hitter (tied withChipper Jones).
  • Record holder for most home runs in day games atMinute Maid Parkin Houston (147).[48]
  • Record holder for most career home runs at theGreat American Ball ParkinCincinnatifor an opposing player (23).[49]
  • Record holder for the date with home runs in most consecutive years: September 21, 2001-2007 (tied withLou Gehrig,June 8, 1932-1938).[50]


Personal life

[edit]

Berkman and his wife, Cara, live inHoustonwith their four daughters. Berkman has been very outspoken about hisChristianbeliefs throughout his career.[51][52]Berkman uses his position as a professional athlete to discuss his religious beliefs with others. He toldThe 700 Clubin May 2007: "What you’re running after, what you’re trying to find will not provide you with any lasting fulfillment. The only place you can find that isJesus Christ.It's in the service of God you’ll find that lasting fulfillment. "[53]

In 2001, Berkman began leading a charity called "Berkman's Bunch" where 50 underprivileged kids could meet Berkman before each Saturday home game for autographs and other gifts.[54]In April 2012, Forbes named Berkman one of the 30 most generous celebrities as he and his wife had donated $2,412,245 to a foundation they established called To The Lord's Fund.[55]

In July 2013, Berkman purchased afire truckand had it overhauled by the City of Arlington. He then donated it to the City ofWest, Texas,in the wake of theWest Fertilizer Company explosionthat took place earlier in the year. The fire truck is white with a redMaltese crosson the doors and the name Berkman over the cross with his number "17" encircled within the cross.[56]

Berkman filmed an advertisement against theHouston Equal Rights Ordinance,which was aimed at protectingLGBTindividuals from discrimination. The ordinance sought to ban discrimination on a variety of levels, including sex, race, color, ethnicity and other classifications. Despite the wording of the ordinance, HERO's opponents including Berkman, instead honed in on the sexual orientation and gender identity protections. Berkman took to the airwaves to repeat a popular stance of HERO’s critics, arguing that the law would allow male predators dressed in drag to enter women’s bathrooms, rather than open public accommodations to transgender people. Berkman’s appearance garnered criticism from many, including former Minnesota Vikings kickerChris Kluwe.The controversy flared when Houston MayorAnnise Parkerstated of Berkman, "That someone who made his name in our city would inject himself into this debate by taking to the airwaves to discredit an effort to ban discrimination in all forms did upset me. This ordinance protects all Houstonians and his remarks diminished it to something trivial." The ordinance was rejected by Houston voters in aballot initiativein November 2015.[57][58][59]

Nicknames

[edit]

He is most popularly known as "Fat Elvis" and "The Big Puma." Before the 2006 season started, in an interview with a local Houston sports radio station, Lance joked "I'm more like apumaso I'm not sure why people call me Fat Elvis. "[60]The show's hosts, John Granato andLance Zierlein,ran with the moniker and Houston fans and media latched onto "The Big Puma." When questioned further, Berkman explained the nickname is simply logical. "Agile, athletic, sleek... all the things that describe my game", he said, somewhat tongue-in-cheek.[61]With his outstanding start in 2008, this nickname also became known on a national level.[62]That same year, a Lance Berkman fan club calling themselves "The Little Pumas" emerged. During Berkman's long tenure with the Astros, they could be seen wearing puma costumes and foam puma paws at most Astros home games near the Conoco Pump in left-center field. The group became relatively well-known among Astros fans, as they were shown often during Astros broadcasts on Fox Sports Houston.[63]

Berkman was also one of the Astros' "Killer B's"in the mid-2000s, along withJeff Bagwell,Craig Biggio,andDerek Bell.[64]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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  4. ^"NewsBank for Statesman | prod.statesman".Nl.newsbank.RetrievedApril 3,2013.
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  9. ^"2023 CCBL Hall of Fame Class Announced".capecodbaseball.org. June 9, 2023.RetrievedJune 10,2023.
  10. ^Duarte, Joseph (October 12, 2014)."Berkman's back in the game as a student at Rice".Houston Chronicle.RetrievedNovember 5,2014.
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  34. ^Yankees decline options on Berkman, Wood, JohnsonThe LoHud Yankees Blog
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  36. ^Thriving Berkman marvels at Series' dramaMLB
  37. ^"Rangers Reach Deal With Lance Berkman".CBS Dallas/Fort Worth.January 5, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 5,2013.
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  39. ^Durrent, Richard (January 29, 2014)."Lance Berkman decides to retire".ESPN.RetrievedJanuary 29,2014.
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  47. ^"BSB: Berkman Resigns as HCU Head Baseball Coach"(Press release). Houston Christian Huskies. May 24, 2024.RetrievedMay 24,2024.
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  50. ^Stark, Jayson."Really fun record for most consecutive years homering on the same date in the regular season".The Athletic.RetrievedOctober 6,2020.
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  54. ^Baldwin, Tony."Berkman is clutch both on and off the field".EveryJoe.RetrievedJuly 3,2013.
  55. ^Pollock, Bill (April 18, 2012)."Berkman makes Forbes' list of 30 Most Generous Celebrities".MissouriNet.RetrievedJuly 3,2013.
  56. ^"Lance Berkman to donate fire truck to West".Houston Chronicle. July 4, 2013.RetrievedNovember 5,2014.
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  58. ^"Annise Parker hits back at Lance Berkman for anti-HERO advertisement".Houston Chronicle.October 6, 2015.RetrievedOctober 14,2015.
  59. ^Peralta, Eyder (November 4, 2015)."In Houston, Voters Reject A Closely Watched Equal Rights Ordinance".NPR.RetrievedNovember 4,2015.
  60. ^"The Z Report: I am partly responsible for the nickname" Big Puma "...well, kind of".chron.RetrievedJanuary 5,2009.
  61. ^"Mailbag: Berkman the 'Big Puma?'".MLB.RetrievedJanuary 5,2009.
  62. ^"Berkman enjoying fruits of labor".MLB.RetrievedJanuary 5,2009.
  63. ^"Little Puma Roster".Thelittlepumas. May 23, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon June 3, 2010.RetrievedAugust 3,2010.
  64. ^"MLB Pro Blog: NLCS: Astros v Cardinals".Birth of the B's.Major League Baseball. October 19, 2005.RetrievedApril 21,2011.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related toLance Berkman.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by National League Player of the Month
May 2004
May 2008 		Succeeded by
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