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Frisco's Justin Foscue safely slides in for a double as RockHounds' Max Schuemann is late with the ball 04/26/2020 at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Tim Fischer/Reporter-Telegram

Max Schuemann embraces his role as Midland RockHounds’ leadoff hitter.

The 6-foot-1, 186-pound Michigan native understands his role is to serve as a table setter for the hitters behind him.

Schuemann, 24, entered Tuesday as one of the Texas League’s top offensive performers, as he ranks fifth in the circuit with a .436 on-base percentage, fifth with 43 runs scored and is seventh in batting average at .322.

Schuemann has helped the RockHounds enjoy one of the Texas League’s top offenses, as they rank second in batting average (.275) and fourth in runs scored (290).

“Obviously, I’m very happy to have the start that I had to the season,” Schuemann said. “We have a great team, a lot of college guys and some younger guys that can really hit the ball. I’m a leadoff hitter. My job is to get on base for those guys to drive me in. That’s kind of been my approach is to just get on base and have those guys produce the runs.”

Schuemann can create havoc once he reaches base.

Schuemann stole a combined 52 bases in 57 attempts at three minor league stops in 2021. The stolen base total ranked fifth in the entire minors last year.

He has continued to be a nuisance to opposing teams on base paths this season, stealing 15 bags.

“I’ve always been somewhat pretty fast,” Schuemann said. “I try to get in scoring position. Like I said, it kind of piggy backs off me getting on base. If I can get on base and I can steal a bag or two and then get into scoring position, it gives the team the opportunity to win ballgames and score some runs.”

Being in the Oakland Athletics organization has its advantages for Schuemann, as baseball’s all-time base stealer Rickey Henderson serves as the Special Assistant to the President in the A’s front office.

Schuemann talked to Henderson earlier in his pro career during Instructional League in the fall. It was a conversation that had a profound impact on how Schuemann approaches base stealing.

“He’s probably one of the most confident guys you will ever meet,” Schuemann said of Henderson, the Hall of Famer. “I kind of looked up to that. He said, if I am going to go, I’m going to go. And that was his big thing that he mentioned to us as players. When I’m going to steal, he’s going to go. He committed to it and that’s what I try to do too.”

Midland manager Bobby Crosby says Schuemann has a nose for knowing when to steal.

“The great thing about it is I don’t know if he’s the fastest guy in the lineup either, but he knows how to get good jumps,” Crosby said. “He knows when to take off. He takes pride in his work that he does on getting good first steps and knowing the pitchers and knowing himself. He has a knack for knowing how to steal a base. It’s a talent that he has.”

Schuemann credits his parents John and Lisa for letting him play a multitude of sports as a kid, which he believes helped his athleticism in baseball.

His other love growing up was playing basketball.

“I dunked like once before and it was the best moment in my life probably,” Schuemann said.

With his athleticism, Schuemann has been able to help the RockHounds with his positional versatility.

He has played 20 games in center field, 15 at second base, six at shortstop, four in left field and two in right field. Schuemann has even played first base and third base in pro ball.

“Every team likes versatility including the A’s,” Crosby said. “He’s definitely a big leaguer, it’s just a matter of when. He does everything in the game the right way. He plays hard. He’s a good defender, a good hitter. He has every tool there is. It’s just a matter of time before he gets to the big leagues.”

Schuemann has seen his stock rise since he was selected in the 20th round by Oakland out of Eastern Michigan during the 2018 amateur draft.

Schuemann was ranked as the Athletics’ 28th best prospect in the organization by Baseball America this season, and he has raised his stock even more, as his six home runs this season have almost matched his season total (seven) from 2021.

“I try my best to have good games and stick to day-to-day stuff,” Schuemann said. “Stick to my routine. My job ultimately is to get on base and have those guys drive me in.”

Follow Christopher on Twitter: @chris_MRTsports

McGreevy, Quezada (7), Pacheco (9) and Pages. Leal, Pimentel (4), Conley (7), Charles (9) and McCann. W – McGreevy (2-1). L – Leal (0-2). 2B – Springfield: Walker (16), Gomez (11); Midland: Diaz (20).

Sports reporter for the Midland Reporter-Telegram.