CAMBRIDGE, Ontario - Three years ago Adam Shoemaker made a decision that has paid off.

“I’d been playing baseball since I was five,” Shoemaker said. “At the age of 16 I decided I wanted to try and make a career of it. I knew I had to work hard and be determined. My goal was to one day get drafted and one day play major league baseball.”

The first goal has been accomplished after the St. Benedict High School graduate was chosen in the 11th round by the Atlanta Braves.

“This means a lot to me,” Shoemaker said of being the 337th selection in the MLB Draft. “It shows the hard work and dedication I put into it since I started taking it seriously three years ago. It feels good for it to all come back around.”

It was a memorable day for the 6-6 205-pound left-handed pitcher.

“I was at home with my family,” the second-ranked 2021 southpaw in Ontario related. “I got a call when the second day of the draft finished that said the Braves were going to take me the next day with their first pick.”

Shoemaker was happy to be looked at so favorably by the Braves’ organization.

“They were always the team that had interest in me along with a couple of others,” Shoemaker noted. “When I was told that they’d be the one to draft me it was not a surprise. I’ve always thought that Atlanta would be a cool team to be on.”

But the day did have difficult moments.

“I phoned St. John’s (pitching) coach George Brown and I said more than likely I was going to sign with the Braves if it all stayed the same,” Shoemaker explained. “Once I knew I was going to sign I called him and said I would not be attending St. John’s. It was tough to make that call. They have some great coaches and it’s a great program.

“I hope he understands, my goal is to play major league baseball. This is the path I choose and I hope we can both move on.”

The signing took place a little more than a week later.

“I took a flight and flew down there,” Shoemaker noted. “They showed me around and I signed a contract two days later. I’ve been training with the team now for two weeks.

“I’ll be joining the FCL Braves to pitch the next couple months. In the offseason I’ll be back home to Cambridge, Ontario and to Florida.”

Pitching for the Florida Complex Braves, the rookie affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, has Shoemaker reflecting on the journey he has made while waiting for his visa papers to arrive.

“I want to thank my advisor and agent, without them this wouldn’t have happened,” Shoemaker said. “I also want to thank the Great Lakes Canadians based out of London, Ontario. The last couple of years I’ve had a lot of help from family, friends and the GLC organization. They’ve done a lot for me and I wouldn’t be here if not for the opportunity to pitch and play for them.”

Now Shoemaker looks ahead to his future as a professional ballplayer.

“My goal is to play in the major leagues one day and be a starting pitcher,” Shoemaker said. “Hopefully I’ll have a great career, hopefully a 20-year career, and hopefully make it to the Hall of Fame.”

For now, the goals are much smaller.

“I’ve got to get bigger and stronger, eat properly and throw harder,” Shoemaker pointed out about the short-term goals. “I need to gain more experience and get to a better level. That’s what I really need to do.”