Newmarket's Paul Xenophontos is still making an impact as he makes his way up in the baseball world.
After two years playing for the MLB-affiliated scout team for the Chicago Cubs, the local baseball star is taking another step, signing to compete with the seventh ranked college team in the U.S.; Ohlone College.
“I am extremely excited to play this upcoming season,” Xenophontos said. “In the near future, my goal is to hear my name called in the MLB Draft. In order for me to accomplish this goal, I need to play the way I know I can and outperform the competition.”
The graduate of Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School has been rising as a baseball talent, playing the game locally since he was five. After playing for the Markham Marines AAA and Oshawa Legionaires elite baseball team growing up, he was scouted to play for the Cubs’ affiliate in 2020.
The Cubs helped the first-base player and pitcher hone his game, he said.
"I have developed tremendously in every aspect of my game and faced great competition while playing with the Cubs,” he said, adding he had offers from NCAA Division 1 schools but opted for Ohlone to keep playing two positions. “I want to be a two-way player, which I will be doing with Ohlone.”
Although there is still a ways to go, he feels confident in his odds of making it to the big leagues.
“I train every day, whether it be the gym, working on my hitting, or perfecting my pitching. Mastery is the key to success, and you won’t master anything if you don’t dedicate weeks, months, or years,” he said. “I believe my path has been set, and I just have to set the course.”
Ohlone has had success recently as a college, with a 36-winning streak last season and back-to-back conference championships. Although he said he wants to succeed there, he added that he has eyes to take another step up in post-secondary.
“At Ohlone, my goal is to win as a team, perform to my utmost capabilities and transfer out to a strong NCAA Division 1 program at the end of the season,” he said.
For other young players in Newmarket, he said it is important to keep focused on your goals.
“I've dedicated the majority of my life to baseball. Some days you don't feel like training, and on those days always remember why you're doing it and never lose sight of your ultimate goal.”
