Misiorowski and Ashby bring first World Series title to Milwaukee

Jacob Misiorowski and Aaron Ashby are World Series champions. The two pitchers from the Kansas City area led the Milwaukee Brewers to their first title in franchise history. Misiorowski, a 24-year-old Cy Young Award favorite, pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 5. He allowed only two hits in the final victory.

Ashby set a new mark for relievers. He broke Andrew Miller’s record for the most scoreless innings by a reliever in a single postseason. Both players attended Crowder Community College in Neosho, Missouri, before entering the major leagues.

The journey to the championship began in local high school dugouts. Brian Driskell coached Misiorowski at Grain Valley High School. Jon Davis coached Ashby at Park Hill High School. Both coaches noted that the players' character off the field defined them as much as their arm strength.

Driskell described Misiorowski as an empathetic teammate who celebrated others' successes. He said Misiorowski was always the first to celebrate for anyone who was not himself. Drew Smith, the principal at Grain Valley High School, said Misiorowski exemplifies the school's "Valley Way." Driskell recalled a text from Misiorowski expressing a desire to make his community proud. Driskell replied that the pitcher had already achieved that goal.

Davis called Ashby one of his favorite players to coach. He remembered Ashby as a fun, emotional player who never doubted his ability to do the hard work required to be good. Davis watched Ashby break the major league record for most scoreless innings to start a postseason as a reliever.

The Brewers' victory ends a 44-year wait for a championship in Milwaukee. Driskell said the team's style, which relied on small-ball tactics, brought a traditional feel to the game. Smith noted that the win places Missouri high school baseball in the national spotlight. The coaches agreed the result is a proud moment for their staffs and schools.

Misiorowski and Ashby have brought pride back to their home communities. Davis described the achievement as pretty special for the local baseball programs. The two players remain central figures in their respective towns following the title win.