Top 9 Mizzou Baseball Stories of 2012: MU in the Majors & Minors

9. Aaron Crow speaks at First Pitch Celebration

Kansas City Royals pitcher Aaron Crow was the guest speaker at the 2012 First Pitch Celebration - actually more of a Q&A session with KOMU's Eric Blumberg. Asked if would like to be in the MU Hall of Fame, like Max Scherzer, Crow responsed: Sure, that would be great. " Hey, if Max can make it ..."

8. Ian Kinsler, All Star

Kinsler was one of several former D-1 ballplayers who participated in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game.  And in December it was announced that he will be joining Max Scherzer in the Mizzou Hall of Fame.

7. Nick Tepesch no-hitter

The high news-worthy point of Nick Tepesch's great season came when he combined with a reliever to throw a no-hitter for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

6. Four Tigers drafted, begin pro careers 

A quartet of Tigers heard their names on Draft Day and left Missouri for the Minor Leagues:  Blake Brown, 5th round, Atlanta Braves; Eric Garcia, 20th round, Atlanta Braves; Ben Turner, 21st round, San Francisco Giants; Blake Holovach, 27th round, Seatlle Mariners.

5. Matt Stites, All Star

Matt Stites was chosen by Baseball America as their Low-A All Star relief pitcher of the year 

4. Three former Tigers play in the Arizona Fall League

Matt Stites was also honored by being selected to play in the elite Arizona Fall League, as were fellow former Tigers Tyler Clark and Kyle Gibson.  Gibson's good showing in the AFL capped a summer that saw his successful rehab from Tommy John surgery, prompting high hopes that he will be playing in the Twin Cities in 2013..

3. Bond and Lollis reunited in Triple-A

Brock Bond had a great year with the AAA Fresno Grizzlies.  An added bonus for Bond was playing alongside his former Mizzou roommate Ryan Lollis, who also put up good numbers in his first season in Triple-A.

2. Max Scherzer pitches through the grief

In late June Mizzou Baseball fans mourned the death of Alex Scherzer, a fan of the Tigers and brother of former Missouri pitcher Max Scherzer.  Two days after his brother's death, Max pitched for his Detroit Tigers.

1. Max Scherzer pitches in the World Series

Max Scherzer's season saw many highs and lows, but at season's end he was where every baseball player wants to be:  Playing in the World Series.  It was a special and inspiring experience to watch Max on the mound on the national stage.