Tag: Oakland Athletics

Tj Schofield-Sam

Alumni Update: Tyrell Schofield-Sam Looks Ahead to his Third Year in the A’s Organization

Tyrell Schofield-Sam was one of three members of the 2019 Ontario Blue Jays to hear their name called in that year’s draft, as the Oakland Athletics selected Schofield-Sam in the 12th round. The third-baseman out of Brampton, Ontario, thinks back fondly of his days in the CPBL and looks forward to his third year in the A’s organization.

The 2019 year was a memorable one for many reasons for Schofield-Sam; along with getting drafted and starting his professional career, he also helped lead the Blue Jays to the CPBL title, finishing off his tenure with OBJ on a high. 

Along with himself, the club was anchored by fellow draftees Jaden Brown and Dasan Brown, a star-studded team that deservingly won it all. “We were a group of players who were ready to get to the next level and we all put a lot of hard work into winning with each other this one last time,” said Schofield-Sam.

Playing for OBJ was integral in Schofield-Sam’s development, competing against CPBL talent and clubs in the U.S. “I feel that my time in the CPBL with OBJs went really well as they put me in a position to succeed,” said Schofield-Sam. “We spent a lot of time in the U.S. during the summer and I had many opportunities to showcase my game during the season.” 

“There are many highlights of my time with OBJ but two that stood out for me were winning the Marucci World Series and the Future Stars Series (both were in Texas). Also, the fall trips with Coach Steed where we were able to play with the university and college teams were really good for my development. It gave us a chance to see what baseball was like at the next level and I had a lot of fun doing so with a really great group of guys.” 

The greatest memory of them all was, of course, being selected by the Athletics on the last day of the June draft two years ago, a dream come true for the left-handed-hitting infielder. “It was surreal. It didn’t start exactly how I envisioned as I believed I would go higher but I believe that everything happens for a reason. I had a great support staff around me and hearing my name called – there was no greater feeling. All my life I’ve worked hard and getting drafted was one of my goals I set,” said Schofield-Sam. 

“I knew that they were one of the teams, especially since my family and I have a great relationship with [scout] Matt Higginson. He has always watched me when he has had the chance and I was excited for the opportunity to play with the Athletics.”

Schofield-Sam enjoyed his first taste of professional baseball later that year, but like so many minor leaguers, he was unable to participate in games in 2020 due to COVID. 

His workout regimes have taken place from the confines of his home while doing as much baseball activity as possible with available resources. “During COVID I have continued to focus on being prepared for when we go back to training. I am working out at home to continue with my strength training. I have been able to take some swings, ground balls and work on my throwing and running outside,” said Schofield-Sam.

“In the near future I am focussing on ‘growing my game’; expanding my knowledge and learning from what is said to me by my coaches, trainers and fellow experienced teammates. I believe constant growth is important and will help me in the future.”

“I hope that long term, my commitment to this game, my team, my coaches and myself will allow me to play in the majors.”

Ontario Blue Jays TJ Schofield-Sam and Jaden Brown selected in 2019 MLB Draft

TORONTO — After Dasan Brown became the first Canadian off the draft board on Tuesday during Major League Baseball’s annual selection process — taken in the third round by the Toronto Blue Jays — it wasn’t long before a number of familiar names were called.

The second Canadian Premier Baseball League player selected in the draft was another Ontario Blue Jays player — also a representative of the Canadian Junior National Team — infielder TJ Schofield-Sam, who was taken by the Oakland Athletics in the 12th round, the 374th overall selection.

“TJ is easily one of the best hitters I’ve ever coached,” said OBJ 18U manager Joe Ellison. “He is a pure hitter, no matter the count, pitcher, field or score. TJ is going to give you a great at-bat, and come through in the most clutch situations. His approach is mature, well beyond his age, and he has incredible plate coverage and discipline.

“He is a quiet leader who takes his leadership onto the field and lets his performance lead the way.”

Schofield-Sam is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitter who was drafted as a third baseman by the A’s. The 17-year-old from Brampton is committed to Chipola College in Florida and competed at the Blue Jays annual showcase for college-eligible players — Tournament 12 — on three occasions.

“The Athletics are getting a hitter, and a very talented one at that,” Ellison said. “I believe he can hit at any level you put him at. TJ will continue to offer a lineup a ton of disciplined at-bats with the ability to drive baseballs out of the park. Oakland is getting a great player with a great work ethic who loves to hit and has the ability to become a big part of their organization.”

A third OBJ player came off the board in the 40th round with the 1203rd pick of the draft, when the Washington Nationals selected shortstop Jaden Brown, a Mississauga native who is committed to the University of Kentucky.

“Jaden is an incredible athlete, who is as physical as he is athletic,” Ellison said. “He brings explosive actions to everything that he does, and contributes to every team he’s a part of. He features plus power, plus speed, and plus arm strength from shortstop. He’s a leader both on and off the field, and continues to be one of the hardest-working players in our program.”

Ellison is excited to see what Brown – also a member of Team Canada – has to offer at his next stop, wherever his baseball career takes him.

“Whether it is with Washington or the University of Kentucky, Jaden is going to give them a ton of plus tools to work with,” the 18U OBJ manager said. “His ability to hit, hit with power, run and throw will be assets to anyone’s team or program. Jaden has the tools to become an impact player at the next level, whether that be college or professional. He will continue to be the hardest worker and most determined to succeed.”

The OBJ organization couldn’t be more excited to follow its players as they take the next steps in their careers and see what the future holds.

“It’s hard to put into words exactly how proud we are of these players for achieving what they’ve always dreamed of,” Ellison said. “They’ve been with us for years and we’ve had the opportunity to watch them grow up and develop right in front of our eyes. We couldn’t be more happy for not only these extremely talented players, but for their families as well. We wish them nothing but success at the next level.”

Dasan Brown, Schofield-Sam and Jaden Brown were three of the six Canadian Premier Baseball League players selected in the 2019 draft. Great Lake Canadians catcher Owen Diodati was selected by the Blue Jays in the 29th round, while Toronto Mets catcher Ryan Leitch was taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the same round, and Mets left-hander Keegan Pulford-Thorpe was chosen by the San Diego Padres in the 33rd round of the selection process.