Introduction to Missouri State High School Baseball
The state of Missouri is home to some of the best high school baseball teams in the country. From the large public schools such as Rockhurst in Kansas City, to small private schools such as St. Louis University High School, baseball is a big part of student life. The state is also home to one of the most competitive high school baseball leagues in the nation, the Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA).
MSHSAA is the governing body for high school sports in the state of Missouri, and it oversees all aspects of high school sports, including baseball. Each year, MSHSAA organizes official state baseball championships for the spring season. The state tournament is a single elimination tournament that culminates with the State Championship game. The winner of the championship game earns the title of Missouri State High School Baseball Champions.
Where is Missouri State High School Baseball Played?
The Missouri State High School Athletic Association organizes and hosts the official state baseball championships at various venues throughout the state. Generally, the tournament is held at venues that are close to the schools that are competing, in order to make it easier for fans to attend the games.
The venues that are used for the tournament vary each year. They include professional stadiums, such as Busch Stadium in St. Louis, as well as smaller stadiums and fields that are located near the participating schools.
Missouri State High School Baseball Championship Venues
The following is a list of the venues that have been used for the Missouri State High School Baseball Championship in recent years:
- Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO
- Hammons Field – Springfield, MO
- T.R. Hughes Ballpark – O’Fallon, MO
- Kauffman Stadium – Kansas City, MO
- CarShield Field – O’Fallon, MO
- Hammond Stadium – St. Louis, MO
- Gene Autry Park – Springfield, MO
- Kinnett Stadium – Jefferson City, MO
- Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Columbia, MO
- Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, MO
Missouri State High School Baseball Tournament Format
The Missouri State High School Baseball Tournament is a single elimination tournament. Teams are placed into four different divisions (Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A) based on their enrollment size. The tournament begins with four Regional tournaments in each division. The winner of each Regional tournament advances to the Sectional tournament. The Sectional tournament is a single elimination tournament that determines the four teams that will advance to the State Championship tournament.
The State Championship tournament is an eight-team double elimination tournament. The four teams from the Sectional tournament are joined by four additional teams from the Regional tournaments. The winner of the State Championship tournament is crowned the Missouri State High School Baseball Champions.
Missouri State High School Baseball Records
The Missouri State High School Baseball Tournament has been held since 1921. Since then, there have been many great teams and players that have competed in the tournament. The following is a list of some of the top teams and players in Missouri State High School Baseball history:
Top Teams
- Rockhurst High School – 10 championships (most recent in 2016)
- St. Louis University High School – 8 championships (most recent in 2019)
- Lafayette High School – 5 championships (most recent in 2017)
- Park Hill High School – 5 championships (most recent in 2018)
Top Players
- J.T. Realmuto – Rockhurst High School (2009-2011)
- Max Scherzer – Parkway Central High School (2002-2004)
- J.D. Drew – Hillsboro High School (1992-1994)
- Chris Carpenter – Trumann High School (1992-1994)
- Adam Wainwright – Glynn Academy High School (1998-2000)
Missouri State High School Baseball Championships
The Missouri State High School Baseball Championships are held annually in late May or early June. The tournament is a single elimination tournament that culminates with the State Championship game. The winner of the championship game earns the title of Missouri State High School Baseball Champions.
The State Championship game is usually held at a professional stadium, such as Busch Stadium in St. Louis or Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The game typically attracts thousands of fans, and it is a great opportunity for high school players to showcase their talents in front of a large crowd.
Conclusion
The state of Missouri is home to some of the best high school baseball teams in the country, and the Missouri State High School Athletic Association organizes and hosts the official state baseball championships each year. The tournament is held at various venues throughout the state, and it culminates with the State Championship game. The winner of the championship game earns the title of Missouri State High School Baseball Champions.