In 2019, Paxton Schultz was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and started his professional baseball journey following a UVU career that saw him be a starter for three years. In 2021, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays where he has worked his way up their minor league system to the highest AAA level — one call away from the major leagues. While baseball is clearly important to him, so is his education. He finished his bachelor’s degree while playing professional baseball, but that didn’t stop the finance major (minors in economics and business management). He graduated magna cum laude. That’s a big league accomplishment!
Fully Booked A typical day in season starts with us arriving at the stadium at about noon (for a 7 p.m. game). From there, we get all of our work in before game time. I’ll start off by going to the weight room to get rolled and stretched out. Then I will get a workout in. Around 3 p.m., we will go out to the field to play catch and throw bullpens. Occasionally, we will have team defense together with everyone to work on a few things. After that, I go inside to get some lunch and head to the training room. From there, I will get any treatment I need to feel ready for my next start day. Then I will go get ready for the game that starts that night.
Plot Twist Getting traded right before the season started back in 2021 was a surprise. In an instant, I was no longer with the Brewers organization. I wasn’t quite sure what to think, but looking back, I can confidently say getting traded to the Toronto Blue Jays organization has worked out for me and was probably one of the best things for my career and player development.
Hero’s Journey Minor-league baseball is a grind. It is hard to be away from friends and family. We play 150 games a year with high expectations on performance to get promoted to the major leagues. However, I get through it with the support of my close family and friends. To have success like I have, it has shown me that I can do hard things and can compete with anyone.
Vital Title “Relentless” by Tim Grover. It has helped me a lot in my career, specifically on the mental preparation side of the game.
The Sequel In five to 10 years, I see myself having an established major league baseball career and starting a family with my wife.