Without a doubt, Padres infielder Brandon Dixon had one of the more inspiring stories last season for the team. A three-year professional career was starting to fizzle out but he was able to secure a tryout at the Friars' 2022 Spring Training. The front office liked him enough to offer a spot in the minor leagues to prove his worth.
Unfortunately, Dixon quickly suffered an elbow injury that kept him out of play for over three months. Not even being where he hoped he'd be in his path right now, the 31-year-old thought about wrapping up his cleats for good and retiring. However, he kept his mind on the end goal and impressed with his performances once he returned and posted a slash line of .371/.447/.866 in the Pacific Coast League.
Dixon played well enough to finally get called up by the Padres right before their playoff run. In a Spring Training interview with '97.3 The Fan', he described the obstacles he had to overcome and where his mindset was at last season.
"It was a year of just having to persevere through some difficult thing," said Dixon. "And considering what happens after baseball and when you're faced with that reality, that's a scary thing sometimes. I thought I was going to have to get surgery and retire and now here I am in this locker room."
Seeing what it is like to have hit rock bottom, Dixon enters this season with nothing to lose. When he gets the opportunity to perform, he will do so with added motivation and not take his time with San Diego for granted.
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