Byron Buxton baseball grit journey began in a modest setting, growing up in rural Baxley, Georgia, before reaching the pinnacle of professional baseball as an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Drafted second overall in 2012, Buxton’s path has been marked by resilience and talent, overcoming injuries to become a central figure in the Twins’ lineup.
Growing Up in the Heart of Rural Georgia
Buxton’s early years in Baxley, a small community located roughly 3.5 hours south of Atlanta and near Jacksonville, Florida, were shaped by a traditional country lifestyle. His mother, Carrie, described him as “just a country boy,” reflecting the area’s simple life where neighbors raised livestock and enjoyed the outdoors. This environment fostered his love for sports and hard work from an early age.
Attending Appling County High School, Buxton was known as a standout athlete. Engaging in baseball, basketball, and football, he thrived in a community with limited distractions, where playing outside was a primary pastime. His cousin, Kevin Cooper, recalled,
“We just did stuff outside, played sports, and when we weren’t doing that, we’d maybe go to Wal-Mart,”
highlighting Buxton’s active childhood. Leading his high school baseball team, Buxton helped secure a Georgia state championship, signaling his emerging talent.
Choosing Professional Baseball Over College Opportunities
Although Buxton had committed to the University of Georgia, his exceptional ability caught the attention of MLB scouts, resulting in his selection by the Minnesota Twins as the second overall pick. David Perno, Georgia’s head baseball coach at the time, acknowledged,
“We knew that the chances of him coming to school were probably never under those circumstances,”
and added,
“You kind of sign them as a PR-type situation because he’s a great player.”
This decision marked the start of Buxton’s commitment to pursuing baseball at the highest level.
Excelling Across Multiple Sports in High School
Beyond baseball, Buxton demonstrated remarkable versatility as a football player, taking on several positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and punter during his high school career. His football coach, J.T. Pollock, praised his athleticism, stating,
“He’s the best athlete I ever coached.”
Buxton’s achievements included All-State honors at receiver and defensive back, with the potential to join the Georgia football team as a walk-on.
Despite football accolades, Buxton leaned towards baseball due to safety concerns. He explained,
“In football, you have concussions, you can have guys going for your knees, tearing up your ACLs,”
and emphasized,
“Plus, I just have a passion for baseball. I like diving for the ball, getting dirty. I like hitting home runs.”
This passion fueled his decision to focus on baseball professionally.
Passing Challenges and Looking Ahead
Byron Buxton’s story is not just one of raw talent but also of steadfast determination and love for the game. From the quiet fields of Baxley to the intense spotlight of Major League Baseball, he personifies grit and dedication. As he continues to overcome setbacks and contribute meaningfully to the Twins, his journey resonates with fans and peers who admire his unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Byron Buxton?
A. Buxton leaves the game due to a bruise on his left hand, but X-rays show no fractures. In Minneapolis, Byron Buxton’s condition seemed promising on Thursday morning. This was following his exit from Wednesday’s 4-2 win against the Cubs due to a left hand bruise.
Q. What is Byron Buxton’s top speed?
A. Buxton also pitched a fastball that reached a speed of 99 miles per hour, which is 159 kilometers per hour.