Last season, Baxley native Byron Buxton had the best season in his 12-year Major League career. Buxton played in 126 games, the second-most in his career, and hit .264 with 35 home runs and 83 RBI. He also made the All-Star game for the second time in his career and competed in the Home Run Derby, where he advanced to the semifinals.
And he did all of this while patrolling centerfield as good as anyone in the big leagues.
This season, he’s picked up where he left off. Currently, Buxton has played in 61 of Minnesota’s 73 games. He is hitting .276 and is sitting in third place in the majors with 22 home runs. He has 35 RBI and six stolen bases. He hasn’t been caught stealing this year.
Buxton is on pace to have a career season offensively. If his production continues to at its current level, Buxton could hit 50 home runs. The most he has ever hit in a season is 35, which he achieved last year.
He’s doing this while maintaining his position as one of, if not the, best centerfielders in the game.
South Georgia is Braves – and National League – country. But if you’re a baseball fan, it would be worth your while to follow Buxton if you’re not already. He’s on track to have a historic year.
