Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Mason Auer (Kickapoo, 2019) has recently committed to Missouri State.  Auer, listed at 6-foot 170-pounds, can play on the infield, in the outfield and will see time on the mound for the Chiefs as he continues his high school career. 

Auer has been up to 85 mph on the mound, and has posted a 90 mph positional velo from the outfield.  He ran a 6.68 60 at the Fall Underclass Games in October and ran a 4.09 home-to-first at the Kansas Underclass Games in January. 

At the plate, Auer starts in a wide stance, has a smooth and controlled load.  He has quick hands and fast bat speed. He has a middle to pull approach with an 88 mph exit velo. 

Shortly after the Kansas Underclass Games in January, Auer chose to stay in Springfield and attend Missouri State.  Here is a look inside the recruiting process for Mason Auer.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Auer: I did not have any expectations going in.  I just wanted to find the right school that fit my academic and athletic needs.   It was about what I expected.  It was very exciting , and humbling to have coaches wanting to speak with me.  

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Auer: I did not let distance from home play into my decision.  I looked at every school, and what they had to offer.  

PBR: Where did Missouri State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Auer: Missouri State first saw me this summer, and then again at a camp at Hammons Field this fall.  I spoke with Coach Thompson, Coach Evans, and Coach Gutttin, and we continued to build that relationship this past year.  

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Auer: There are many great players in Missouri.  

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Auer: The best advice that I can give is to have fun, work very hard on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom.  Every coach I spoke with was not only interested in my athletic ability,  but they all wanted to know what kind of student I am.    

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Auer: I have been doing a throwing and lifting program at 2K Sports Training here in Springfield.  We also have a great off season workout program at Kickapoo.  Everything they have been doing is really paying off, and will help me get bigger, stronger, and faster.  
 
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Auer: Hopefully my most memorable moment is still ahead of me.  My best memories are just playing with my friends, and having fun at all of the tournaments we have been to.  

PBR: What do you like most about Missouri State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Auer: I knew they had a great program, and a great history of developing players.  I was very impressed with the entire coaching staff.  They made me feel very welcome, and like I was already part of the family.  They also have great facilities.  

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Auer: I never really had a short list.  I was just looking for the best place for me, and Missouri State checked every box.  

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Auer: It started to pick up this fall after my camp performance at Missouri State, and because of my performance at the PBR event at Kansas State.  I started to hear from a lot of schools after that.  

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Auer: We are really looking forward to getting the season going.  We will have a very solid team, and we should make run at State.  I am hopeful that I will be able to help our team have a very successful season.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them? 

Auer: I am playing for the Wichita Twins this summer.  My most memorable moment was playing in Myrtle Beach, and riding on the bus some of the way home before it broke down.  That trip is something I will never forget. 

 

For More Missouri Q&A