George Springer made Major League history on Thursday when he led off the season for the Houston Astros with a home run off Cole Hamels of the Texas Rangers.

It was the first-ever leadoff home run for a defending World Series champion, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Springer is also the only player ever to hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day in consecutive years.

"It feels great. It's a good way to start our season," he said. "To hop on the board and get the first one out of the way for us, it's a good day to be an Astro."