Missouri Baseball Profile
4/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 30, 2002
A year ago at this time, Aaron Paterson was trying to get members of the Missouri baseball team out and he was also trying to figure out his future.
Paterson, now a member of the Missouri program, was a first-year member of the Iowa State Cyclones in 2001 but the school dropped the sport in April. Following a run to the 2001 Big 12 Conference Tournament with ISU, Paterson enrolled for the fall semester at Northern Iowa.
After spending some time there, he did not feel that school was the place for him so Paterson started contacting other schools to see if anyone was interested in adding a senior left-handed pitcher.
Missouri pitching coach Chal Fanning replied to Paterson's inquiry and the rest is history.
"It was a real shock and it bothered me but I never worried about what was going to happen after (Iowa State dropped the program)," said Paterson. "I figured keeping a positive attitude would be the best thing. The ones who stayed positive made things work out for the better while the ones who didn't weren't able to move on to where they wanted to. I feel I'm in a better situation now as I'm real fortunate to have found a place like Missouri." Entering this week's action against Western Illinois, Paterson leads the Tigers with 22 appearances. He also has struck out 27 batters while walking only five in 31.2 innings of work and earned two wins.
"As soon as the (Iowa State) program folded last year, my number one goal was to stay in the Big 12," said Paterson. "I was disappointed that didn't happen in the fall as I went to Northern Iowa. I was fortunate that a spot opened for me here. Coach Fanning got back to me right away and things happened real fast after that."
Paterson quickly made himself a valuable member of the bullpen, appearing in two of the Tigers' first three games. His effectiveness in retiring batters and durability are the keys for Paterson, who has appeared in four straight and seven straight games during stretches this season.
"I just go out there and attack guys by throwing strikes," said Paterson, who now throws exclusively from the stretch even when opening an inning. "I've been throwing strikes for the most part all year. I don't throw blazing speeds so I try to mix it up with a changeup, curve ball and throw them off-guard with a fastball. I'm usually the most effective when I get ahead of the hitters. When I fall behind, I tend to get hit."
But that does not tend to bother Paterson, knowing he most likely will soon get another chance to show his abilities. And most of the times, one or both of his parents (Rich and Kristi) are in the stands.
"It's awesome having them around," said Paterson. "When I was initially looking at coming to this school, they were a little worried it was four or four and one-half hours away and they wouldn't be able to see me play my last year. I think they've made a real great effort to be at as many games as they can. My dad was in Phoenix and just drove down to Texas A&M. They've been to most of the home series. It's real special that they've been able to do that. I think they've found the trip wasn't as bad as originally thought. I think everything has worked out well and you'll see them here the next three weekends. It's been fun to have my parents come see me play so much."
And Paterson was not sure how much, or any, playing time he would get after joining his third program in two years. While at Iowa State, Paterson appeared in 25 games and posted a 2-1 record.
"I am somewhat surprised with how the year has gone," said Paterson. "I was confident I could step in and help the team but I didn't know any of the guys on the team, didn't know how good anyone was or where I stood on the team. I've been able to come in quite a few games and help. I was able to do that last year but this year's been different. Last year, my outings were a batter or two and now I'm averaging an inning or just over an inning each outing. I think my experience has helped keep me in there and the fact I'm going after hitters. It's been real fun."
Paterson, like all of the Tigers, hopes the fun continues into a berth in the 2002 Big 12 Conference Tournament. That would be quite a step for Paterson who did not know what the future might bring just a few months ago.
