How It Started
Ever try something on a whim and realize you never want to stop?
That’s how it began for Liam Shaffer.
“It was kind of something I wanted to test out when I was younger,” he says. “And it just stuck with me.”
Now he’s 15, stepping into the spotlight as a rising sophomore at Parkwood High, locking down first base, dealing from the mound, and putting in the work to make varsity this season.
Life on the Field
Liam splits time between two critical roles: first base and pitcher. Both demand different mindsets and skills, but pitching is where he feels most alive.
“Definitely pitching,” he says. “I feel like I’m always in the game. I always have to do something every single pitch.”
He’s learned how to stay mentally tough, even when things aren’t going his way. “I step off, take a breath, and just reset my mind.”
His favorite memory so far? A no-doubt home run at Shipyard Park in Charleston. “It’s right by the water—really cool,” he says. “We got the ball back and the facility gave me a trophy to make it a special moment.”
Locked In on the Goal
With another season approaching, Liam is all business. His focus: refining his agility, flipping his hips quicker, and hitting to the opposite field. The mission is clear.
“My biggest goal is to start on varsity as a sophomore,” he says. “That’s what I’m working toward.”
The Footwear Advantage
That mindset is what led Liam and his family to SQAIRZ.
His high school coach Chad Nichols, recommended the brand for its impact on footwork and balance. Liam started with the GFP™ Turfs during cage work and training—and the difference was immediate.
“They’re a lot lighter than my regular shoes,” he says. “Way more comfortable for changing directions, and they don’t hurt my feet like my old Nikes did. I feel like they make me faster—even if I’m not, that’s how it feels.”
His dad saw it too. “We noticed improvement right away,” he says. “Not just in the cages, but during speed and agility drills. The shoes gave him a more stable foundation.”
Advice From Liam
To other players thinking about giving baseball—or better footwear a try, Liam keeps it honest:
“Give it a try. Work hard. And if it’s not for you, that’s okay.”
And when it comes to gear?
“They’re way better than your normal turfs—more grip, more stability, and they don’t hurt your feet.”
He looks up to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso—not just for his power, but because he plays the same position and shares the same team loyalty.
With steady work, the right mindset, and gear that supports his game, Liam Schaefer’s next step—earning that varsity spot—looks more like a matter of when, not if.