Fitzpatrick: Two-way player Schell is ready to make an impact at Missouri State

Mississauga Tigers’ Adyn Schell (Toronto, Ont.). Photo: Trevor Fitzpatrick

September 20, 2024

By Trevor Fitzpatrick

Canadian Baseball Network

Adyn Schell (Toronto, Ont.) took his first swings with a baseball bat at just two years old.

“My dad would toss me a large plastic ball and I used to hit the s*** out of it,” Schell reminisced while laughing.

From then on, he never stopped hitting the crap out of the ball. He excelled at tee-ball, Little League, and now, in the Ontario Baseball Association with the Mississauga Tigers.

Of the stops along the way, his favourite was playing in the Canadian National Championships for Little League ball when he was still only 11.

Now the No. 6 ranked prospect on the 2025 Canadian Baseball Network Draft List, the two-way 3B/RHP has continued to grow his name at this year’s Canadian Futures Showcase as a part of Team Black.

He credits his coach Greg Byron (Toronto, Ont.) for his continued success.

“Greg has done everything for me,” said Schell, “whether it’s pitching or hitting and he helped with my commitment to Missouri State as well.”

As it turns out, Byron coached Missouri State’s head coach Joey Hawkins (Whitby, Ont.) when he was younger. It made the recruitment process simple for Schell.

Canadian Joey Hawkins (Oshawa, Ont.) is the head coach of the Missouri State Bears. Photo: Missouri State Athelics

Missouri State finished their 2024 season with a subpar 23-34 record, but did have a respectable .277 batting average. It was their 6.06 team ERA that hurt them in close games.

Schell may be able to help the team on both ends of the ball.

Standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, the left-handed hitter only went one-for-six at the plate during Team Black’s games, but drew an impressive five walks. On the mound, the right-hander tossed two innings allowing two runs.

“I have some days where my hitting is better and others where I’m better on the mound,” explained Schell, “I think hitting is a bit more fun overall. I get to go hit then make plays in the field.”

He continued, “I think I’ve been in my own head too much this season about my swing. I’ve been getting down on myself that I haven’t been hitting as well as I know I can. It took three months to get that confidence back [in time for the Showcase].”

Team Black’s 3-0-1 week may be over but there could be more to come for Schell. The Team Bautista versus Team Encarnacion All-Star Game is to be held on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. if he is selected for it.