Troy Schreffler graduated from Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, PA in 2019 growing up as a Phillies fan. He attended the University of Maryland playing three seasons (2020 to 2022) for the Terrapins posting a .316/.400/.504 slash line in 98 games (424 PA’s) including hitting .340/.421/.557 with a .979 OPS in 62 games (294 PA’s) with 10 home runs and 57 RBIs in his last season there. Troy was drafted by the Phillies in the 15th round of the 2022 draft.
Now entering his third season (second full season) with the Phillies organization he’s spent the brunt of his time to date with the low A level Clearwater Threshers where in 42 games last year he posted a .289/.392/.479 slash line and a .871 OPS in 148 PA’s with nine extra base hits (including six HR’s). Troy broke 2023 spring camp with High A Jersey Shore but returned to the complex for training in the complex’s hitting lab before finishing the year with the Threshers.
This spring he had a torrid training camp going 5 for 13 (.384) in minor league spring training games against other organizations with two doubles and two triples. In the last intra-squad scrimmage game of spring camp on 3/29 he topped off a hot camp by going 2 for 4 with a double and home run. Troy earned a spot with High A Jersey Shore to open the 2024 season.
Just embarking on the third week into the regular season with Jersey Shore he has continued his hot hitting - in six games played (20 PA’s) Troy has posted six hits including a double, triple and home run and has seven RBIs along with a couple walks. An early slash line of .333/.400/.667 with an OPS of 1.092 certainly is noteworthy!
Recently I asked Troy a few questions about the start to this season and growing up as a Phillies fan. Here’s our correspondence.
You had a terrific spring training camp and have gotten off to a great offensive start - what has sparked it? Change in approach, technique, confidence boost?
“The two biggest changes for me this year was my approach and also finding the confidence that I lacked last year. The difference in my approach this year has been taking what the pitcher gives me and not trying to force a result. Last year I was only trying to pull the ball and had no adjustability, this year with my approach and slight change in mechanics my adjustability to off speed and different locations has been more consistent giving better results. The confidence came from a lot of prayer and one little conversation with a one of our coaches.”
Versatility is a key to moving up the ladder, you play all three outfield spots - is one your favorite ? What about playing other positions ?
“I love all three outfield positions. If I had to rank them I’d say center field is my favorite and then right and left field are pretty equal. I’m very comfortable at all three because I’ve played them my entire life. Versatility has been a big benefit for me because I feel like I’m athletic enough to be able to learn and play any position. Recently I’ve been getting a lot of reps at second base in hopes that later this season I can add that to my abilities.”
What is more satisfying - making a great defensive play or squaring the ball up and hitting it hard?
“I’d say they’re both satisfying especially if you’re able to do one of the two in a key moment of the game.”
Is there any particular Coach in the organization you feel has helped you the most ?
“Jake Elmore has helped me a significant amount during the last two seasons. We’ve worked together in the hitting lab and in the regular cages working on different movements and establishing a routine that’s right for me. I also have to give credit to my coach at home Teed Wertz who has put in countless hours with me during the off season. He’s helped build my confidence and has also been one of my top supporters throughout my baseball career.”
You grew up in Harrisburg. What would it mean to play for the Phillies in the major leagues ?
“Growing up in Pennsylvania I’ve always been a Philadelphia Sports fan. Something I think is really neat is that my mom when I was five years old painted the Phillies logo across my bedroom wall and it’s been there ever since. So being able to be drafted by them has been an amazing achievement. There’s no one better than Phillies fans. Getting the chance to represent the city of Philadelphia and the Phillies organization is something every kid dreams of and something I’m looking forward to being able to do in the future.”
Every time we’ve seen Troy at the complex he always stops by to chat, he’s got a great personality. We wish him continued success and hope he gets to eventually realize his goal of playing for the big league Phillies. It’s every Phillies fans dream - hoping his comes true!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Photo by Michael Dolcemoscolo
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