Before Max Scherzer became "Mad Max," a three-time Cy Young winner and World Series champion, he was a promising but raw talent making his mark in the collegiate ranks. While many associate top prospects with immediate jumps to the pros, Scherzer took the college route, a decision that proved instrumental in forging him into the formidable pitcher he is today.
Scherzer's Rise at Mizzou
Scherzer honed his craft at the University of Missouri, pitching for the Tigers from 2004 to 2006. Coming out of Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Missouri, he was actually drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 43rd round of the 2003 MLB Draft. However, Scherzer opted to attend Mizzou, a move that undoubtedly benefited his development and changed the trajectory of his career.
It was at Mizzou where Scherzer truly transformed. He arrived with a fastball that sat in the high 80s to low 90s, but through rigorous training and dedicated coaching under Coach Tim Jamieson, his velocity steadily climbed. By his junior year, he was consistently hitting the mid-to-upper 90s, a significant jump that put him squarely on the radar of MLB scouts. Beyond velocity, Scherzer refined his secondary pitches, developing a sharp slider and improving his overall command and control. He also cultivated the intense, competitive mentality that would become his trademark, learning how to battle through adversity on the mound. His stellar college career culminated in him being named a First-Team All-American in 2006, leading the Tigers to regional appearances.
His impressive collegiate performance drastically elevated his draft stock. Instead of being a late-round pick, Scherzer became the 11th overall selection in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. His time at Mizzou was more than just a stopgap; it was a crucial developmental period that shaped his mechanics, expanded his arsenal, and instilled the mental fortitude needed to thrive, setting the stage for his eventual superstardom in Major League Baseball.