Tanner Houck knows what it’s like to make an impact as a first-year player. The sophomore pitcher had a 3.49 earned run average in 2015 and was a consensus freshman All-American.
Going into his second season, he has advice for new members of the Missouri baseball team.
“Don’t skip out on your reps,” Houck said. “If you can, get more. If you can push yourself, that’s what you need to do.”
The Tigers have a number of first-year players who could contribute in 2016. Coach Tim Jamieson said that Ian Nelson and Connor Brumfield — both freshmen — will compete for the starting job at second base.
Nelson played for Timberland High School in Wentzville and was named an Honorable Mention All-American by Perfect Game in 2015. Brumfield is a Columbia native and earned all-state honors for Rock Bridge High School.
Jamieson has high hopes for the hometown prospect.
“He’s a guy with a skill set that has a chance to play at our level, and now it’s just him believing in himself,” Jamieson said. “He’s going to contribute this year.”
An intriguing member of the Tigers’ freshman class is Marquise Doherty. The outfielder was drafted in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Kansas City Royals. Doherty also plays football for Missouri and redshirted his freshman year.
Coming off of football season, Doherty struggled adjusting back to baseball. Now, with the first game of the season just a week away, the outfielder is showing signs of potential.
“Going into the year, you really don’t know what to expect from him,” Jamieson said. “I still don’t know for sure, but I have seen pretty good improvement from him over the last couple of weeks.”
In terms of pitching, the Tigers will look for big contributions from St. Louis-native Mike Plassmeyer. The freshman left-hander will have the opportunity to start games for Missouri and will also get chances out of the bullpen.
Plassmeyer’s velocity is currently around 86 mph, but his coach said that is not what makes him a strong pitcher.
“He changes speeds, he’s got great command, great poise,” Jamieson said. “He’s going to throw harder as he gets older, but his velocity is not the key to his success right now.”
Freshmen pitcher Grant Macciocchi and corner infielder Brian Sharp could also earn playing time for the Tigers in 2016. Macciocchi has dealt with shoulder pains but could serve as the Tigers’ closer when he resumes throwing. Sharp is a Liberty, Missouri, native.
Junior shortstop Ryan Howard feels that the team’s freshmen will have plenty of opportunities to contribute in 2016.
“We’re going to need everybody on our team,” he said. “Everyone is going to have a chance to step in and play a big role for us.”
