From Neosho to the World Series: Two former Crowder pitchers headed to baseball’s biggest stage

From Lallemand Family Field to the biggest stage in professional baseball, two former Roughriders are headed to the World Series.

Jacob Misiorowski and Aaron Ashby helped the Milwaukee Brewers reach their first World Series in 44 years, completing a stunning sweep of the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series on Thursday night.

The victory gave Milwaukee its first National League pennant in franchise history and its first World Series appearance since 1982, when the Brewers competed in the American League.

For Crowder College in Neosho, the historic accomplishment carries a special connection.

Both developed their talents under longtime baseball coach Travis Lallemand before Milwaukee selected them in the MLB draft just four years apart.

Misiorowski, a 24-year-old right-hander from Blue Springs, Missouri, has become one of the most dominant young pitchers in baseball.

The 6-foot-7 flamethrower finished the regular season with a 14-5 record, a 1.95 ERA and 236 strikeouts, establishing himself as a National League Cy Young Award contender.

But his rise to baseball stardom began at Crowder.

During the 2022 season, Misiorowski went undefeated at 10-0, striking out 136 batters in 76 innings. His fastball reached 100 mph, helping him earn junior college All-American honors and attract national attention.

Milwaukee selected him in the second round of the 2022 draft, making him the highest-drafted player in Crowder history. He received a $2.35 million signing bonus and made his major league debut in June 2025.

Ashby, a 28-year-old left-hander from Kansas City, followed a similar path.

In 2018, Ashby led all Division I junior college pitchers nationally with 156 strikeouts while playing for Crowder. Milwaukee selected him in the fourth round of that year's draft.

He reached the major leagues in 2021 and has since become an important part of the Brewers' pitching staff.

Ashby finished the 2026 regular season with a 13-3 record and a 3.25 ERA, providing valuable relief pitching during Milwaukee's franchise-record 103-win season.

He just delivered the final outs to help the Brewers advance.

They will face either the Cleveland Guardians or Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series.