Alumni Spotlight: Buddy Schultz

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On April 3, 1971, Wright State was on the wrong side of a dominant performance. On the right side of it stands Buddy Schultz, 26 strikeouts later.

You read that number correctly, and if you didn't, here it is again: Twenty-six.

Buddy Schultz scorecard — The signed scorecard from Schultz's record-setting day is
on display in the Jay Hayden Baseball Center in Oxford

A nine-inning baseball game has 27 outs per team, and nearly every single one for the visitors on that memorable day was a 'K.'

More than a half-century later, Schultz's complete-game shutout of the Raiders remains one of the most incredible pitching performances the game has ever seen and one of its most untouchable records.

Not only is it one of the greatest achievements in Miami sports history, but one that still stands amongst the greatest in all of college sports.

"The people that are most impressed with the 26 strikeouts are in the Hall of Fame…and they just can't believe that I struck out 26 guys," Schultz said.

The East Cleveland, Ohio native boasts one of the most decorated résumés in Miami Baseball history. The three-time All-MAC selection ranks first on Miami's all-time list in single-season earned run average after posting a 1.06 ERA in 1970 and is sixth in career strikeouts with 240, just to name a few of his many accolades.

Schultz was an incredible high school pitcher as well and had opportunities near and far to play college baseball. "I was recruited to 50 schools," he recalled.

When asked what drew him to Miami University, Schultz said it "was close enough to Cleveland, yet far enough to get away" and that he appreciated "the beauty of the campus and the organization of the campus."

Despite being drafted in the fourth round of the 1968 MLB Draft by the Phillies, Schultz was still committed to bringing his talents to Oxford before pursuing a career in the big leagues.

"I considered [signing with Philadelphia], but I think it boils down to my upbringing, where I had told Bud Middaugh when I was a junior that I was coming to Miami," he said.

And while there were plenty of highlights during his career wearing the Red and White, 26 strikeouts in a single game is a feat that remains untouched 53 years later.

"Was it a no-hitter? No. I gave up like three hits and two walks," Schultz explained. One of those three hits likely would have been caught if baseball history wasn't unfolding.

Toby K. Schultz Heritage Hallway — This area in the Jay Hayden Baseball Center is named for Schultz's
wife, Toby, and reflects the family's generosity to Miami Baseball.

"I struck out the first 16 in a row, then the 17th guy hits a fly ball to right field. Denny Smith is five feet away from it and he never moves," Schultz remembered.

"Denny comes in after the inning and I said, 'Why don't you catch the ball?' He said, 'Buddy, I wasn't paying any attention. After all, you were striking out everyone!'"

More than five innings without a single ball put in play? By that point, of course any contact, especially to the outfield, seemed unfathomable on what proved to be a record-breaking day as Miami won 6-0.

The impact Buddy Schultz has had on Miami extends far beyond his play on the diamond. He has stepped up to help the RedHawks' program financially through the years, whether investing in facilities, equipment or even unforeseen expenses.

One year, Miami was flying out to play Arizona State, near Schultz's current home, but fog had other ideas and the trip seemed to be in jeopardy. "They had a game in two days and didn't have a ride," Schultz laughed. "So I said, 'Okay, tell me why you want to come out? Why is it so important?'

"It was the one thing more than anything the players were looking forward to [that season]...they were still shy $26,000. Within about three hours, we had the remaining $26,000 and I called and said, 'We got the money. Put them on the plane!'" Buddy Schultz with the Cardinals

"Buddy Schultz has been incredibly instrumental in helping Miami Baseball strive toward excellence," said current head coach Brian Smiley. "His impact is felt in many different ways by both the many coaches and the many players throughout the years.

"Buddy is a very proud alum and we are proud to have him backing with every step that is taken to continue moving this program forward."

Schultz has given freely to support the Red and White, not only of his money, but also of his time and knowledge. Over the years, Schultz has taken immense pride in being a mentor figure for Miami's current and recent players, especially the pitchers.

"I was sitting in the dugout once and Sam Bachman came up to me and said, 'Can we talk pitching?'" Schultz recalled. "We sat there for half an hour." Bachman, who was drafted ninth overall in 2021, has followed in Schultz's footsteps as both a graduate of Miami and a major-league player.

Schultz completed his Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Arts and went on to play five years in the pros, two with the Cubs and three with the Cardinals. He retired with a 15-9 record and 3.68 ERA, plus (of course) a whole bunch of strikeouts…193 in all.

"I'm more proud of my degree than I am of my baseball," Schultz said. "Because baseball was easy! College was hard!"

Buddy Schultz family

Schultz was inducted into the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Still, as he reflects on his professional and collegiate career, what means most to him is what he's accomplished off the field, not on it.

Through his work with various charities, causes and organizations, including the Harmon Killebrew Foundation, he has made a difference in countless lives. "I'm not great in any way, but I love helping the kids," said Schultz.

"I've raised 30 million dollars, and it's all for the kids…I look at the things people did for me in East Cleveland. Now that I have that opportunity, why would I not give back?"

Three historic years at Miami, one unbreakable record, and a five-year MLB career, but to Schultz, giving back to children and his communities matters more than anything else.

"I'm proud of being able to help kids and give them an opportunity they might've otherwise not had."

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