The Standard

Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Chris Cox

With an 8-1 record and a 2.42 ERA, junior pitcher Buddy Baumann has been a dominant force for the Bears on the mound this season. Now, he is receiving national attention for his accomplishments on the field.

Last week, Baumann was named to the first-watch list for the College Baseball Foundation Pitcher of the Year Award. The Missouri State southpaw is now one of 50 finalists in contention for the award.

"It's nice; it's a blessing," Baumann said. "But it's just another thing. I really don't worry about that kind of stuff. I just play the game and try to win for our team."

Baumann currently leads the Missouri Valley Conference in opposing batting average (.191), hits allowed per nine innings (1.4) and wins (8).

He ranks second in ERA (2.42) and strikeouts (78) among MVC pitchers. He ranks third in fewest runs allowed (22) and fewest hits allowed (46).

So far this season, he has been named MVC pitcher of the week twice.

Highlights for Baumann this year include a complete-game victory against Oral Roberts, a game in which he struck out 14 batters and only allowed three hits while going the distance.

He also pitched five innings against Nebraska before reaching his pitch count, giving up only one hit and facing the minimum number of batters through the first four innings. He retired 11 of the final 13 batters he faced.

Baumann was named All-MVC honorable mention last year as a sophomore, posting a 6-4 record with a 4.66 ERA. He pitched two complete games as the Bears' number two starter.

As a freshman, Baumann made 18 appearances for the Bears while holding opponents to a .218 batting average and posting a mark of 9.92 strikeouts per nine innings.

This year, he is well on pace to be named first team All-MVC as well as contend for MVC Pitcher of the Year honors.

Baumann credited the accolades and success he has had this season to his faith and work ethic.

"The main thing is God," Baumann said. "He's blessed me with everything I have and getting this opportunity, so I give Him every praise for that. I work hard and give it all I have when I'm on the mound."

Baumann's mentality this year has also had a profound impact on his success. He is a relentless competitor, making every at bat a personal battle.

"That's my enemy up there, up to bat, and I don't want him to get on base or score, and it's a battle for me," he said. "I want to win, and I have to win."

Baumann is a Rogersville native and was a three-year starter for the Logan-Rogersville Wildcats. He struck out 143 batters in 78 innings in his senior season, on his way to being named first team all-state.

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