Morgan County senior Samuel Schofield has loved the game of baseball since he was a little boy and recently announced he will continue his career in college, playing for Georgia State.
Schofield said he’s happy to finally have his decision nailed down.
“I mean, (the process) was really stressful, but I just feel like GSU was the right school for me,” he said. “I was pretty relieved whenever we finally made the decision.”
Schofield first met a member of the Panthers’ coaching staff at a Perfect Game tournament.
“One of their recruiting coordinators talked to me after a game in which I pitched,” Schofield said. “They sounded really interested and had me up for a visit. They kept texting and calling me. They also treated me really well and acted as they wanted me. So, that really led to me choosing them. They showed the most interest.”
Schofield plays travel ball for Team Georgia, founded in 2004 and based in Marietta.
Team Georgia has played a huge role in sending more than 500 players to college on scholarships, and 50-plus who went on to be selected in the Major League Baseball Draft, including Casey Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft. The organization also is a five-time Perfect Game national champion.
Schofield, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, has grown under the direction of Team Georgia head coach Chris McRaney over the last few years.
He said he’s learned a lot from McRaney and has made a few friends along the way, including current MCHS teammate, Brendan Conway, who plays for another travel ball team.
“We met before (Schofield) came here (to Morgan County),” Conway said. “We met playing travel baseball … So, we got really close and baseball strengthened that. We’ve been teammates in high school for three years now. So, it’s been nice.”
Schofield grew up in South Georgia, playing baseball in his younger days in Schley County. His family then moved to the Lake Country area, and he attended Lake Oconee Academy his freshman year.
He and Conway were a part of a Morgan County team that won 20 games last season. The pair, along with a strong junior class, helped lead the Bulldogs to a Sweet 16 berth. They hope to make it past the second round this upcoming season.
“I think it was really important to come to a school that takes baseball like it’s your job,” Schofield said. “Once baseball season starts, we get to work. Even before that, like right now, we have started doing stuff in preparation for the (upcoming) season.”
According to Schofield, he has learned a lot from Bulldogs’ head coach Merritt Ainslie.
“He’s just a great motivator. He’s always asking how we’re doing, wanting to come to watch our (travel ball) games,” Schofield said of Ainslie. “He’s always supporting and doing what’s best for us. He’s also developing us. He’s really big on the small things, which is probably the most important thing. He is devoted to building team chemistry. That’s also a really important aspect of the game (he focuses on).”
Ainslie has maintained a strong baseball culture at Morgan County over the last seven years. He relies on players such as Schofield and Conway to help sustain that success.
Conway echoed Schofield’s sentiment about Ainslie.
“I’ve learned to take everything seriously and have fun at the right times, but also never at the wrong times,” Conway said. “I really focus on the little things and just worry about the team’s (overall) success. I think his motivation and structure have helped me contribute to the team’s success, which has made me a better player.”
Ainslie said he’s proud of both players, along with a few others, including rising senior Jack Walker. He added that they’ve been vital to the program’s recent triumphs.
“These guys are two of a couple of different guys on the team who are the backbone and staples," Ainslie said. "Usually, you like your leadership to come from your junior-season class, upperclassmen. Guys that have been in the program. They understand my coaching style and expectations. They’re super competitive and they love to win. As Brendan (Conway) said, you should enjoy baseball, although winning is fun.”
For Schofield, playing for the Bulldogs has helped him grow as both a player and a person.
“Overall. it’s been a great experience,” he said. “I have learned so much from my teammates and coaches. Everything we have done so far has helped me tremendously. I have built so many great connections, so it’s been good for me to be here.”