Byron Buxton

Byron Buxton's Biography

Byron Keiron Buxton is an American professional baseball center fielder and designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins. Born on December 18, 1993, in Baxley, Georgia, Buxton has been a shining star in Major League Baseball (MLB). Esteemed baseball analysts predicted his success early on, as he was considered the most talented player available in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft and was selected as the second overall pick. In 2013, Buxton proved his worth by winning Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year Award.

Buxton’s love for baseball began at a tender age of six. He attended Appling County High School in Baxley, Georgia, an institution where his talents flourished. Here, he played for the high school’s baseball, basketball, and football teams. His high school days were fruitful, earning him the nickname “Buck”. In his senior year as a pitcher, he achieved a 10–1 win–loss record and a 1.90 earned run average with 154 strikeouts in 81 innings pitched. His speed and agility on the field were notable, as he managed to throw a fastball recorded at 99 miles per hour, earning him a high speed rating of 70 as he left high school.

Young Buxton showcased his talents beyond his high school games, attracting the attention of scouts at the age of 15. He appeared in several baseball showcases, including the East Coast Pro Showcase and Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. His senior year of high school saw him hit for a .513 batting average and 38 stolen bases in 39 games. He secured a college baseball scholarship with the University of Georgia, where he planned to walk on to the football team.

Considered a five-tool player, Buxton lit up the paths of his career and was labeled the most promising prospect in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft by MLB.com. Soon after, the Minnesota Twins picked Buxton as the second overall in the 2012 draft. He went on to sign a contract with the team on June 12, 2012, which included a $6 million signing bonus.

His professional debut in Minor League Baseball was with the Gulf Coast Twins of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League where he hit .216 in 26 games. However, this was just the beginning of his ascend on the baseball ladder. He was promoted to the Elizabethton Twins of the Rookie-level Appalachian League, where he batted .286 in 21 games and was named the top prospect in the GCL.

Buxton’s 2013 season started off with the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Class A Midwest League. His impressive performance, batting .340 with eight home runs and 32 stolen bases, earned him a promotion to the Fort Myers Miracle of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League in June. By midseason, his name had stirred up attention in the baseball world, with MLB.com, Keith Law of ESPN.com, and Baseball America ranking Buxton as the top prospect in baseball.

His run of success continued into the 2014 season, even though it was marred with injuries. Despite these setbacks, Buxton remained a hot prospect. In 2015, both MLB.com and Baseball Prospectus rated him as the best prospect in baseball. Starting the 2015 season with the Twins’ new Class AA affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League, he made his major-league debut on June 14 and immediately left his mark by scoring the game-winning run.

Through the following years, Buxton cemented his position in the baseball world by leading the MLB in average sprint speed and winning a string of awards, including the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for all major league fielders, a Fielding Bible Award, a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, and the Platinum Glove Award for the American League.

Titled the American League Player of the Month for April 2021, Buxton hit .426 with 8 home runs and 14 RBIs. On December 1, 2021, Buxton’s talents were further acknowledged as he signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Twins. Indeed, Buxton’s journey in Major League Baseball has been nothing short of spectacular.

Beyond the baseball field, Buxton has a rich family life. His father, Felton, owns a trucking company and his mother, Carrie, works in a school cafeteria. Buxton is one of their three children and his cousin, Dexter Carter, is a former NFL running back. Buxton tied the knot with Lindsey Tillery in 2016 after dating her since 2012, adding three sons to their family. Baseball certainly runs in the family bloodline, with Buxton’s wife, Lindsey, also a former softball player from Appling County High School. Honoring his humble beginnings, Buxton’s success in Major League Baseball has always been a reflection of the dedication, grit, and passion that he has shown since his early years. Indeed, his journey from a small-town boy in Baxley, Georgia, to being one of the shining stars of MLB is an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.