Sunday, January 31, 2010

Mizzou Baseball Quotes & Notes

What do we have here? Tigers open practice with some holes to fill (TigerExtra.com/Columbia Daily Tribune)

A few quotes:

• Coach Tim Jamieson hopes Johnny Wholestaff doesn’t live here anymore.

• Tyler Clark, Kelly Fick, junior transfer Jeff Scardino, sophomore Jeff Emens and freshman Eric Anderson appear to be the top candidates to be starters. Ryan Clubb and Phil McCormick will join Buehler in the bullpen.

• Sophomore Ryan Gebhart could take one of the remaining outfield spots after hitting .235 in 29 games last year


Are Big XII's best times behind it? asks poster on the Rivals message board.
Any arguments about how many teams the Big XII put into postseason play last year are questionable. Most fans seemed to think the selection committee was far too generous. I continue to read about the vast improvements in conferences like the ACC and C-USA and some of the crackerjack squads out west, and I was just wondering if most of the Big XII is becoming yesterday's news in the ever more difficult battles to the top in Division 1 baseball.

FAQ: Listening to the Games

KTGR 1580 AM / 100.5 FM

The Zimmer Radio Group signed a contract to be the official broadcaster of all MU Athletics starting with the 2010-2011 season.

Of course, they have been the official home of MU Baseball for some years now. They will broadcast all 2011 games live on KTGR 1580 AM. KTGR is the ESPN Radio affiliate for Columbia.

In addition, they will also be broadcast on FM 100.5 in Columbia, which has been transformed into an FM simulcast for KTGR. 100.5 has a much broader footprint of coverage throughout mid-Missouri, and should provide a better signal at night than the AM counterpart. During the Cardinal Baseball season, Mizzou Baseball games will be bumped aside for Cardinal games on FM 100.5, but will still be carried at AM 1580.

Broadcasts are scheduled to begin 20 minutes before game time with a pre-game show, and will conclude with a 15 minute post-game show.

Tex Little enters his 20th year as the play-by-play Voice of the Tigers. Tex manned the radio microphone for the Baseball Tigers for 12 years, through 1998, and has done the same for the past 7 years. His knowledge of MU Baseball history is a great asset.

Hunter Mense, former Tiger outfielder, will be in the booth with Tex for the 2011 season, providing color commentary and keeping Tex from breaking the electronic gadgetry in the booth.

Internet Broadcasts

The KTGR radio broadcasts can also be accessed through the internet. To tune in the Tigers online, go to the Streaming Audio link at KTGR.com, or go to the mutigers.com Schedule Page and click on the Audio Broadcast link for each day's game.

FAQ: SimmonsField.com Blog



Q: What official connection is there between this website and the University of Missouri Athletic Department?


A: None at all. SimmonsField.com is an independent, fan-based website, with no official connections to the University of Missouri. The Athletic Department alternately praises what I do on this site or grinds their teeth at my shenanigans. The opinions and rants expressed on the pages of this Web Community are the sole responsibility of the site's host, Trripleplay.

Q: So who is this "Trripleplay" that hosts this site?

A: "Trripleplay" is the internet alias of Tim Robertson, a fan of Mizzou Baseball. That's me in the photo, with the ball cap on. The guy with me is Rickie, a fellow Section E heckler.

Q: How can I get in touch with "Trripleplay"?

A: Tim Robertson's e-mail address is: simmonsfield@hotmail.com. Also, you can find me at nearly every home game, usually sitting in Section E, Row 4, Seat 1.

Q: Why did you start this site in the first place?

A: The real reason I started this site was to alleviate boredom during the long off-season between May and February.

I also started this site to fill in the gaps not covered by the official MU site (http://www.mutigers.com/). My intention is not to compete with the official site, but to complement it. I have not attempted to duplicate most of the features on that site, other than the Schedule and Roster.

To learn more about my philosophy about MU Baseball and being a fan, check out Confessions of a Fan of the Game.


LESS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Q: So why don't you know how to spell tripleplay? What's with the two r's?

A: Believe it or not, this is actually THE most frequently asked question about this site. Hopefully this does not indicate a lack of interest in anything else here. The answer is simple: the host's name is Timothy R. Robertson, sometimes called TR Robertson. Thus, when I was trying to think up an online nickname several years ago, TRRipleplay seemed to fit my name and my passion.

Q: Why don't you get a Press Pass so you can go on the field and interview coaches and players for the site.

A: For one thing, while I am a part-time free-lance writer, I'm not trained in journalism, and am glad to leave that job in the capable hands of the folks from the Tribune and Missourian and Maneater, etc.

Also, as a friend of mine found out, when you're wearing a press pass you suddenly feel limited in how much heckling you can do.

I'm just a fan, and even when there's snow blowing across the field, I'd rather be sitting down there in Section E, freezing, than up in the sealed-off press box. When this site gets in the way of having fun at the ballpark, that's the day I quit. The site, I mean, not baseball.

Q: Why do I keep doing this when it takes up so much of my time?
  • Player's parent: "I want to thank you as a parent far away from her son, your website keeps us up to date on the team. I know you must spend alot of time at the computer researching, because the site is awesome! " 
  • Player's parent: "You don't know how much your advice has directed us throughout the season. Thanks so much for all you do for Missouri baseball, and most importantly, thanks for such a wonderful web site." 
  • Player's parent: "Just wanted to let you know that as a parent of a baseball player it has been very beneficial having your site available with updates and game/player information. When we first committed to Mizzou, we met some parents who had directed us to your site. Your past efforts do not, and those in the future, will not go unnoticed." 
  • Player's parent: "Your information is incredible, detailed, well researched and extremely enjoyable...In this world of pessimism, it's refreshing to see a fan be fan, which means being optimistic"  
  • Player's parent: "Thanks for this incredible web page you have put together. Living far from Columbia, I am some what out of the loop, but your updates, blogs, and all around news serves as a outstanding site for Mizzou baseball information. I very much appreciate your efforts."  
  • Former player: "I also wanted to thank you for your hard work and dedication that you give to the Mizzou baseball department. It makes it a lot easier for myself and my ex teammates to keep up with what is going on. 
  •  Recruit's relative:  "Hi, just wanted to drop you a note and say you have a wonderful website. I check it every couple of days and I am amazed at all of the work and effort that you put in to it. I have a lot of friends and family who also check the site and are amazed at the effort put in."   

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Mizzou Baseball Quotes & Notes

Tickets

■ My renewal form for season tickets came in the mail today. prices are unchanged from last year - still a steal at $60 for a reserved seat for the entire season.

Big 12

■ The annual preseason Big 12 Coaches Teleconference will be February 17th. You can listen online at Big12Sports.com

Correction

■ A follower of MU Baseball sent me this note about the Perfect Games 2010 watch list:
Also, James Hudelson was on that list in the junior college section as the #1 junior college prospect in the state as a Group 2 (rounds 4-10) prospect along with Matt Stites who is in the Group 3 (Rounds 4-25) prospect list. James also has been on
a couple of other lists that the Perfect Game website has put out. He is on the 2010 Draft top 500 prospects as the #430 prospect in the country and this list includes college, junior college and high school prospects. He is also on the 2010 Draft Top 200 Junior College Prospect list as the 36th best junior college prospect in the nation and Matt Stites is on that list as the #95 prospect

Friday, January 29, 2010

Dumping out a very full in-box

Over 250 Google News Alerts piled up during my 1-week online sabbatical. As usual, most of it was worthless. And then there was . . .

Baseball America's Top 25 has Texas #1. So does USA Today. After the Longhorns, the preseason polls are shockingly short on Big 12 teams, and entirely devoid of Mizzou.

■ Aaron Fitt is looking forward to the Houston College Classic (Top 25 Chat)

■ The Houston Chronicle has a preview of the Houston College Classic
Question Marks: The entire pitching staff, and the rest of the lineup. Only one pitcher who started even semi-regularly last year returns, and that's Nick Tepesch, who put up a 6.27 ERA in 2009. Basically every hitter besides Senne who hit for a decent average and/or any kind of power last year is gone. Losing nearly every significant contributor from last year's team (which wasn't exactly dominant in the first place) could spell a lot of trouble for the Tigers.

■ CollegeBaseball360.com has a state-the-obvious preview of the Big 12 in 2010

Player to watch for in 2010: Russell LaFleur (collegesummerball.blogspot.com)

■ And a related piece on smoaky.com:

Upon returning to campus, LaFleur showed the Mizzou coaching staff he was ready to shine. In the first game of the Tigers’ Fall World Series, LaFleur hit a game-tying three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, sending the game into extra innings. He went on to star for the Gold team with five RBI and four runs scored in four games.

LaFleur was joined on the Gold team by former Pump Jack and 2009 All-TCL catcher Brett Nicholas. Nicholas, who transferred to Missouri after his sophomore season at Scottsdale Community College, made a big splash in the Fall World Series as well. The 2009 TCL RBI champion batted .384 (5-for-13) with five RBI, tying with LaFleur for the second-highest RBI total in the series.

Perfect Games 2010 State-by-state follow list (stltoday.com)
• Includes Mizzou players #1 Nick Tepesch, Brett Nicholas, Tyler Clark, Brad
Buehler, Aaron Senne, Jonah Schmidt, Aaron Blunt, Russell LaFleur, Jesse Santo,
TJ Scheiber, Andrew Thigpen, and former Tiger Ryan Allen. Also MU recruit
Matt Linderer, plus Derek Rallo, brother of former Tigers Mike and Ryan.
Full list at PGCrosschecker.com (subscribers only)

South Texas Preseason All-Star team (Caller.com) includes MU recruits Rob Zastryzny and Michael Franco

Local baseball stars Zastryzny, Franco are Mizzou bound (Caller.com)
“Missouri is a really competitive Big 12 school,” said Zastryzny, who went 9-4 with a 2.25 earned-run average as a junior last season. “Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to go to a school that would compete with anybody and could help me get to the next level.”
. . .

Zastryzny’s signing also means two local players will be headed to the Tigers next year, as Moody third baseman Michael Franco also has signed with Missouri.
“He and I are actually really good friends,” Zastryzny said. “We had talked about going to the same school for a while, just kind of joking about it, but I don’t think either of us really thought it would happen. But, him going there, too, just makes the decision even better.”

Mizzou Athletics All-Decade Team

Baseball's All-Decade Performer: Aaron Crow (Kyle Gibson and Max Scherzer
were Honorable Mentions)
■ Aaron Crow is #41 on MLB.com's Top 50 Prospects

■ Kyle Gibson is Ready for the big time (Greenfield Daily Reporter)
Fully healthy, Greenfield's Kyle Gibson is eager to make some waves in Minnesota
SethSpeaks.com podcast includes a conversation with Kyle Gibson
We talked about what he’s been doing since instructional league to get ready for
the upcoming season, his engagement, the economics of MLB’s draft, and again,
much more.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Extra Innings

Early Monday morning we watched my father pass through the valley of the shadow of death and triumphantly reach the other side. Pray that those of us left behind will live daily with the same grace that he died.

Thanks to all my MU Baseball friends who have e-mailed me and talked to me with encouraging words and blessings.

Life is short. Pray hard.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Mizzou Baseball History: The 1964 Tigers

On January 22, 2010, the 1964 Mizzou Baseball team will be inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Missouri Tigers Roster at the beginning of the 1964 Season:
Ronny Bartlett, 1B-OF, Soph
Dave Benson, RHP, Soph
Ronald Cummings, 1B, Soph
James Estes, OF, Sr
Dave Harvey, 3B, Sr
Wayne Henke, SS/2B, Jr
Orville Hollrah, RHP, Soph
Terry L'Ange, RHP, Soph
Sandy Melnick, OF, Soph
Dennis Musgraves, RHP, Soph
James Nelson, RHP, Sr
Jim Pace, C, Sr
Bob Price, IF, Sr
Robert Robben, IF, Soph
Dan Rudanovich, OF, Soph
Tom Seal, IF, Soph
Jim Sevcik, OF, Sr
John Sevcik, C, Sr
Ronnie Shy, C, Jr
Ron Sieck, RHP, Sr
Ken Sigman, IF/OF, Jr
Johnny Simmons, SS, Jr
Mike Strode, IF, Jr
Jack Stroud, LHP, Jr
John Thomas, RHP, Soph
Keith Weber, RHP, Jr
Gary Woods, 1B/OF, Sr

■ Highlights of the 1964 Season:

• MU began the season with a 3-3 road trip, but the pitching staff was already showing signs of being great, posting a 1.34 ERA

• April 24: Jack Stroud struck out 17 against the Kansas State Wildcats and came just one scratch-hit away from a no-hitter

• May 12: The Tigers push their winning streak to 18 straight with a double-header win over Nebraska, clinching the Big 8 title. The pitching staff's ERA at this point is 0.83, including Keith Weber (0.71), Dennis Musgraves (0.41), Jack Stroud (1.23) and reliever Jim Nelson (0.71). Dave Harvey leads the offense with a .400 batting average.

• May 24: JackStroud sets a new MU season strikeout record, striking out 10 against the Jayhawks for a season total of 79.

• The Tigers won the last 21 straight games of the season

• Mizzou beat St. Louis U in a Fifth Distrcit Playoff series, to advance to the College World Series, the Tigers' 6th appearance at Omaha.

• Mizzou entered the CWS ranked #1 in the national poll. The 1964 CWS included Missouri, Arizona State, Texas A&M, Minnesota, Maine, Southern Cal, Seton Hall, and Mississippi

■ Missouri's games in 1964 College World Series:

• Missouri 7, Arizona State 0

• USC 3, Missouri 2

• Missouri 3, Seton Hall 1

• Missouri 4, Minnesota 1

• Missouri 2, Maine 1

• Championship Game: Minnesota 5, Missouri 1


■ 1964 Final ERA: .085

• Nelson 0.42

• Musgraves 0.55

• Weber 0.61

• Sieck 0.82

• L'Ange 1.50

• Stroud 1.51

■ 1964 Batting Leaders: .267 team Avg, 14 HR

• Jim Sevcik, .341 Avg, 3 HR, 23 RBI

• Estes, .317, 3 HR

• Harvey, .312, 3 HR

• Woods, .300


Holding on to a record (KOMU.com)

Jack Stroud hasn't called the Missouri Baseball field home since 1964.

"I think our weight room consisted of two bricks out of the foundation of Brewer Fieldhouse," said Missouri Pitcher (1963-65) Jack Stroud.

Stroud now calls Columbus, Ohio home, but back in 1964 Stroud teamed with Denny Musgraves, Keith Weber and closer Jim Nelson to form the best Missouri pitching staff ever.

Stroud is still proud of his past, "I tell you, it was probably the best pitching staff in college baseball history."
. . .
According to the NCAA record books, the 1964 team only gave up 19 earned runs in 264 innings the entire season. It comes out to an ERA of .65, which is still the best season in NCAA history.

Keith Weber's bio at the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame page:

May well be the greatest pitcher in Missouri's long and glorious baseball history. In 1964, he set the MU record for earned run average (0.56), won 11 games and struck out 90 batters as the Tigers went 26-5-1 and advanced to the College World Series. Those 11 wins are still tied for the school record, and the strikeout total stood as the MU record for 26 years. His ERA contributed to a team figure of 0.65 that still stands as the NCAA record, and in this era of the aluminum bat, will probably never be broken. Weber, from Jefferson City, was all-Big Eight, all-District V and all-America in 1964, and signed with the New York Mets. He was also a quarterback in football, but injuries ended his career before he competed on the varsity level. Weber now lives in Kansas City.
■ Honors for the 1964 Tigers
• All-American: Dave Harvey, 3B: Keith Weber, P • All District V: Dave Harvey, 3B: Keith Weber, P
• All Big 8: Dave Harvey, 3B; Jim Estes, OF; John Sevcik, C; Keith Weber, P

■ Drafted players from the 1964 team:

• Dave Harvey-Minnesota Twins, 1964
• Jim Nelson-Minnesota Twins, 1964
• Bob Price-Minnesota Twins, 1964
• Jim Sevcik-Minnesota Twins, 1964
• John Sevcik - Minnesota Twins, 1964
• Dennis Musgraves - New York Mets, 1964
• Keith Weber-New York Mets, 1964
• Mike Strode, Kansas City Athletics, 1965
• Jack Stroud-New York Mets, 1965
• Dan Rudanovich-Boston Red Sox, 1966
• Orville Hollrah-Chicago White Sox, 1966

■ Players from the 1964 team who played in the Major Leagues
Dennis Musgraves, New York Mets
John Sevcik, Minnesota Twins

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Mizzou Baseball History: Ryan Fry

On January 22nd, 2010, Ryan Fry will be inducted into Mizzou Atheltics Hall of Fame.

To many current fans of Mizzou Baseball, Ryan Fry's name has come up in only two ways:
• During outfielder Evan Frey's career with the Tigers, play-by-play man Tex Little never quite broke the habit of slipping up and referring to him as Ryan Fry, much to the puzzlement of newbie fans, and much to the merriment of long-time fans.

• Ryan Fry's name came up frequently during the 2008 season, when senior Jacob Priday demolished some of Fry's MU career records.
Ryan Fry at Mizzou

Only one week after he completed an impressive fall workout, the Missouri baseball team's most valuable newcomer was in the hospital. (Columbia Tribune, 11/4/94)
Freshman pitcher Ryan Fry, a right-hander, was diagnosed as having a bloodclot in his right shoulder earlier this month. Fry spent four days at Columbia Regional Hospital undergoing observation and medication.

``It surprised me a lot,'' Fry said. ``I didn't know what to think.''

Fry was diagnosed Oct. 19 with an occlusion of the vein beneath the right clavicle. The only symptom was a swollen arm. MU coach Tim Jamieson said Fry's right arm was two inches larger than his left. Other than the discomfort associated with swelling, Fry said he did not feel any pain.

Doctors told Fry that the risk of losing mobility in his arm is low because the clot is located high in his shoulder and in a vein. However, they have restricted rigorous activity on the arm for three months, after which Fry will begin throwing or consider surgery, he said.
. . .
Fry told Jamieson that he plans to play in the spring. After his injury, Fry said that the stress of pitching might be too much for his arm. Yet, Fry could find a home in left field, Jamieson said.

``The first and most important concern is Ryan Fry,'' Jamieson said. ``Second, and maybe even lower that, is how this will impact the baseball team.''

Fry was named MU Newcomer of the Fall. He batted .360 and played solid defense. Working short relief, Fry pitched 20 innings, striking out 21 and walking only three.

A graduate of Oak Grove High School, Fry was an all-state pitcher during his sophomore, junior and senior years. Last year, he was valedictorian of his class and named Male Athlete of the Year by the Kansas City Sports Commission.

At the start of his tenure as Missouri's baseball coach, Tim Jamieson thought he forged a formidable pitching staff. (Columbia Tribune, 5/18/85)

Fresh off a 1994 ERA of 5.34, the worst in his five years as MU's pitching coach, Jamieson signed three top Missouri pitchers to back up his marquee left-hander, senior Jason Meyhoff. Jamieson said he was certain he stabilized a questionable starting rotation and bullpen.

But as Jamieson moved from lofty expectations last June to this February's cruel reality, all three prospects were out of Missouri's pitching picture and Meyhoff was gone chasing a professional career.
. . .

Three of the four pitchers that Jamieson expected to lead MU back into the Big Eight fray, however, took their services elsewhere. The other, freshman Fry, suffered a blood clot in his pitching shoulder during the winter. The bloodclot receded but left him in left field for the season.

The remaining staff struggled, posting the Big Eight's highest ERA and giving up 83 more runs than the Tiger offense produced.

Missouri right fielder Ryan Fry used to be a pitcher, a pretty good one (Columbia Tribune, 3/13/96)

Fry discovered the clot two days after 1994 fall practice. After playing racquetball, his upper arm swelled up to the point where it was ``really abnormal looking,'' Fry said. Doctors prescribed blood thinners and an end to the pitching. A remedy for his batting woes was not forthcoming.

That didn't come until last summer in Clarinda, Iowa. It was there, in the Jayhawk
summer league, that Fry played 70 games and pretty much slept with his bat every night. He came back to school with a sweet, compact swing and a firm hold on the No. 3 spot in the batting order.

``You learn through repetition,'' Fry said, ``and the difference for myself --and the entire team -- this year is experience, just relaxing and letting the game come to you.''

■ After the 1996 season, Ryan Fry was named to the All Big 8 team (1st team), and to the NCBWA Smith Super Team (1st team).

For three years, senior outfielder Ryan Fry has been the perfect barometer for the Missouri baseball team (Columbia Daily Tribune, 2/18/98)

Fry is moving defensively from right field to center field, but he doesn't think it will affect his offense. Fry had the fall season to acclimate himself to the new position.

``I've gotten a lot of work there this spring,'' Fry said. ``Coming into the spring, I didn't feel quite as comfortable. But I've adjusted a little better now.''

Of course, changing positions is nothing new to Fry. Last year, he played some at third base as Jamieson juggled the lineup. That was one of the reasons to which Jamieson attributed Fry's 70-point drop in batting average.

■ In 1998, Fry set seven offensive records, including career marks for hits, runs, RBI, extra-base hits and at-bats. His 27 homers during his senior year were good enough for the single-season record. (Columbia Tribune, It was a very good year, 12/31/98)

After the 1998 season, Fry was named to the 1st team All Big 12, Dallas Morning
News Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 All-Academic team, ABCA/Rawlings NCAA
Division I 3rd team, Collegiate Baseball-Louisville Slugger 3rd team
All-America, NCBWA All-American 2nd Team and the 3rd team GTE All-Academic
Ryan Fry in Professional Baseball

Fry was drafted by the Kansas City Royals. He played 47 games for the Spokane Indians, hitting .233 (34-for-146), with 25 R, 34 H, 8 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 26 RBI, .466 SLG%. After his rookie season, he left minor league ball behind him. He never returned to the game, choosing instead to continue his other dream, pursuing a law degree.

For a time during the 1999 Mizzou Baseball season, Fry joined Tex Little in the radio broadcast booth, sitting in as a color commentator.

Where is Ryan Fry today?

Quick 5 Questions for Ryan Fry (Examiner.net, 10-6-2009)

Ryan Fry, an attorney with Cochran, Oswald and Roam, will become the chairman of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce in 2010. He was also an accomplished athlete, a prep baseball and football star at Oak Grove High School from 1991-1994 and all-American baseball player at University of Missouri.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Mizzou Baseball: First Pitch Celebration

Strawberry preaches persistence to baseball players (Columbia Tribune)
Missouri sophomore outfielder Ryan Gebhart, who broke two bones in his ankle sliding into a base during an October practice, said he welcomed Strawberry’s message of keeping the right focus.

“I really appreciate how he came out and gave all the glory to God,” Gebhart said. “Every day you go through struggles with baseball, school and life, and to hear what he was saying about never giving up … you get hurt, tear your ankle up, you never know what’s going to happen. Don’t give up.”

Sunday, January 17, 2010

You Make the Call: How Far Will the 2010 Tigers Go?


It's time for another You Make the Call Poll. This time of year we're all wondering just how good this team is going to be this year? How will they fare in the Big 12? And how far can they go in the post-season?


Here's your chance to express your opinion. There are two polls in the left-hand column:


• How far will the Tigers go in 2010?
• How will the 2010 Tigers finish in the Big 12?

Vote early. Vote often. Vote with your brain. Vote with your heart.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Mizzou Baseball Quotes & Notes: First Pitch Celebration

The annual First Pitch Celebration was held last night. A few things heard and seen:

Travis Wendte (02-06) is now on staff helping Tony Vitello with the pitching corps

• The introduction of the 2010 team included 20 first-year players. Tim Jamieson said this may be the youngest roster the Tigers have had in some time, including 29 players who are in their first or second year with the team

Jeff Lusardi, who we reported this past has transferred to MU from Arizona State, was introduced with the team as a redshirt freshman. WE can only hope he turns to as well as the last transfer MU nabbed from ASU.

• Coach Jamieson said this should be a fast team: 15 players ran below 7 seconds for the 60 yd dash. They have also been setting new records for MU Baseball in the weight room.

• A handful of photos from the event can be seen at Tiger Notes.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

KTGR to broadcast live from First Pitch Celebration

From KTGR.com:
100.5 & 1580 KTGR ESPN will be live at the 2010 Mizzou Baseball First Pitch event Friday January 15.The 2010 Mizzou Baseball First Pitch Celebration will be on Friday January 15th at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia with the doors opening at 6:30 and the festivities starting at 7p. Tickets are available for $20.

Former Major League player Darryl Strawberry will be the guest speaker.

There will be food, drinks and a look back at the history of Mizzou Baseball, as well as a look ahead to the upcoming season that will be played right here on 100.5 & 1580 KTGR ESPN.

Listen live at KTGR.com

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Mizzou Baseball Quotes & Notes

Baseball America summarizes the discussions and proposals that came up during the 2010 American Baseball Coaches Association convention. Nothing ground-shaking appears on the immediate horizon, but it's worth a read.

■ According to Live5News.com, Torre Tyson (95-98) will be returning for his fourth season as the manager of the New York Yankees' affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs.

■ Another MU Baseball alum, Jim Leavitt (76-78), is in the news as well: Former Tiger Jim Leavitt fired from USF:
"Nobody but nobody is going to match his work ethic and his energy," Leavitt's
baseball coach at Missouri once said of him.

Monday, January 11, 2010

2010 Mizzou Baseball Recruit: Jeff Lusardi, OF


Jeff Lusardi, OF
Lee's Summit, MO (Blue Springs South HS)
Arizona State
5'10", 175 lb, L/R

Jeff Lusardi has transferred from Arizona State, where he was redshirted for the 2009 season. Because of transfer rules, he will not be eligible to play for the Tigers in in 2010 but will have to sit out a season. He is expected to compete for a roster spot for the 2011 season.

■ From his ASU bio:

A 2008 graduate of Blue Springs South High School in Lee's Summit, Mo...earned four varsity letters for baseball and was a team captain for three seasons...an over .400 career hitter in his four seasons...became the first freshman in school history to start on the varsity team, and hit a team-best .480 that season...set school's single-season home run record as a senior...a three-time all-state, all-district and all-conference selection...also played two years with the Missouri Junior Sunbelt team.

■ 1987 interview with Lusardi on Examiner.net:

Lusardi, the No.3 hitter in the Jaguars lineup, has been having a special senior year. After not hitting a home run in his high school career before this season, Lusardi has five this year – tied for the team lead. His play in center field Tuesday helped teammate Kirk Huismann throw a no-hitter against Raytown in district play, sparking the Jaguars to the district championship.
■ Honors

MoSports.com Top Missouri Seniors, Class of 2008
• Kansas City Star 2008 All-Metro
• All-State, 20o8, 2007

Friday, January 8, 2010

First Pitch Guest Speaker: Darryl Strawberry

MUTigers.com announces the improbable selection of Darryl Strawberry as the featured speaker at MU Baseball's First Pitch Celebration.

Former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry will be the guest speaker at Mizzou Baseball's First Pitch Celebration, which is set for Jan. 15 at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center. The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event can be purchased for just $20.

During his 17-year career, Strawberry won World Series Championships with the New York Mets (1986) and New York Yankees (1996, 1998 and 1999). An eight-time All-Star, he was the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year and won the Silver Slugger Award twice.

For those wondering how a connection was made to bring Strawberry to speak at Mizzou, even though he is not an MU alum (or an alum of any college), this note from his Wikipedia entry shows a regional connection:
He now resides in St. Charles County, Missouri with his wife Tracy whom he
married in October 2006. He met Tracy, his third wife, in a drug recovery
convention and the two have founded "The Darryl Strawberry Foundation," an
organization dedicated to children with autism.

After you've met him in person at the First Pitch Celebration, you can watch him on TV, since he has agreed to be a contestant on the next Celebrity Apprentice season.

For an example of Strawberry as a public speaker, check out this YouTube video.

The mutigers.com story also includes a partial list of items to be included in the silent auction, including signed jerseys from Ian Kinsler and Max Scherzer and Stan Musial.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Mizzou Baseball in the Minors

■ The latest "Suitcase Chronicles" from MU alum Garrett Broshuis: Listening for your own name
I had been passed over by every organization. It didn't matter that I am the second winningest pitcher in the Giants' minor league system over the past two years (only behind Madison Bumgarner). It didn't matter that I had never missed a start in my entire career and could be found each year among league leaders in innings pitched. What mattered was that I was an aging right-hander who had spent most of his days in Double-A. What mattered was my velocity and lack of strikeouts. I wasn't worth $12,000.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Practice Perfect Baseball


HumanKinetics.com has published a new book entitled Practice Perfect Baseball.
In Practice Perfect Baseball, the game’s premier collegiate coaches share their approaches, experiences, and philosophies on every facet of practice. This authoritative guide goes beyond the stretches and drills straight to the heart of winning—effort and attitude. From structuring sessions to evaluating practice performance, the vast information allows you to choose what you wish to implement in your program. You’ll find unique insights and invaluable advice from the all-star roster of contributors.

One of those all-star contributors is Mizzou's Tim Jamieson, offering Chapter 7: Perfecting Positional Play.

The book can be purchased ($19.95) at HumanKinetics.com.