(Columbia Missourian, June 4, 1954)
Athletic recognition on a national scale has come to Missouri of recent date, only in baseball – the seemingly unwanted child around collegiate athletic departments.
There are many explanations and reasons for Missouri’s diamond successes. But it can never be said that the Tigers athletic department is guilty of coddling the national pastime.
Of the average yearly allotment of 110 scholarships, 6 got to baseball. It’s understood that football draws about 70, basketball 20 and track 14.
So how has Missouri, with so few scholarships, produced a near national champion (in 1952) and another contender for national honors this season?
The reason – simply and plainly – is the coach, John (Hi) Simmons, who consistently converts the springtime mob of candidates into well-knit, hustling nines.
Will to win and hustle are the two traits that the Tiger coach demands. When he finds them in a player, then he looks for hitting, throwing and running ability – Simmons’ big three from the talent standpoint.
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