Ashton Paith has experienced a remarkable year. The Ray-Pec senior committed during his Junior year to play baseball at Washburn University only to later learn that he needed surgery on his throwing shoulder. The past year has challenged Ashton, both physically and mentally, but he’s weathered the storm and is ready to take on his last year at Inside Edge.
What a year. You really experienced both a great high and a serious concern in the same year. What was that like?
Yeah, it’s been an interesting year, to say the least. Committing to play baseball in college was my biggest accomplishment to date. It was a literal dream come true. On the flip side, learning that I needed to have surgery on my shoulder was one of the hardest things I’ve had to hear. I remember the doctor explaining the situation to me and thinking, “wow…there goes my baseball career.” Fortunately, I had a great doctor and an unbelievable physical therapist. The two of them did a great job of repairing the damage and developing a plan to get me back to 100%. I missed playing my senior year at high school, but I’ll be fully recovered and ready for the summer season.
This situation really drives home the importance of not taking for granted the game of baseball. You never know what will happen on the field…or in life. It also reminds me that everything happens for a reason. This experience has taught me a ton about myself and life.
How did the coaching staff at Washburn react to the news that you needed surgery?
Coach Douglas and the other coaches have been awesome. He asked a lot of questions about the surgery and the plans for physical therapy and then has been completely supportive.
Which, congratulations on committing to Washburn. That’s a huge accomplishment, both athletically and academically.
Thanks. My family has been behind me and I really couldn’t have achieved this without their support. Washburn has tough academic requirements. Being accepted and earning a baseball scholarship makes me really proud and thankful for my parents. They pushed me and stressed the importance of grades, not just baseball, and that has really paid off.
Have you had a chance to work with the Washburn coaching staff?
Not yet, but they’ve told me they will give me workouts and conditioning drills later this season. I’m really excited to start that chapter of my career. I’m excited to work with Coach Douglas. He’s been really successful as a head coach, and I can’t wait to get into his program and make contributions to the team. Go Ichabods!
You started with Inside Edge Baseball during our first season. What has playing here meant to you?
It’s been huge. After playing with the same team for so many years, I fully appreciate that the best players are also the best teammates. Regardless of the situation, always have each other’s back and don’t take the game of baseball for granted. With that, you have to believe in yourself and do everything with confidence. Coach Mitchell stressed that with all of us, and I thank him for that. I also think the coaching style helped me to earn a spot on the varsity team as a freshman. The IE format really stresses fundamental baseball and that helped me be prepared early in my development.
What was it like to play varsity as a freshman?
Scary (laughing). I still remember stepping up to the plate for my first at-bat. I was super nervous. I was facing down a senior pitcher who looked a lot bigger than me. But, for as nervous as I was, I had a great at-bat and got a base hit. I settled in after that first plate appearance and it became just another game.
That would be a tough first plate appearance. Looking back on your high school career, what is the one game situation you most want to be in?
As a catcher, it’s always runners on first and second with no outs. I live for the chance to defend a double steal. It’s a great strategy test: throw out the lead runner or go the guy running to second base? That’s obviously a situational decision, but that’s what I love about this situation and the game of baseball. I have to be on top of my game and completely understand who’s on base and what they’ve done during the game.
That answer completely describes you, a complete tactician. Anyone who has seen you play knows that you are a pretty serious guy. Are you always so serious?
Yes and no. If we’re on the baseball field, it’s game on. I take every throw and swing as serious as possible. But, once we get off the field, I love to laugh and have a good time.
In closing, any favorites you want to share?
My favorite singers are Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Khalid. Yeah, I know it’s a weird mix, but I listen to both country and hip-hop. I loved Old Town Road (Lil Nas X) until it was played non-stop, everywhere. How many guys play that for their walk-up song?
Marlins Park and the Miami Marlins–the Royals are my favorite baseball team, but I also like the Marlins because they, too, tend to be bad. But, they also have a lot of young talent who could win games. I root for them to win against the odds.
Franciso Lindor. I love the way he plays the game and his smile. Plus. “Francisco. That’s fun to say,” which is a quote from my favorite movie, Elf.