This seems to be a new look for former Missouri Tiger Aaron Crow. Strutting around with a Justin Bieber backpack and sporting a fresh new “fauxhawk” haircut, Crow is experiencing firsthand what it is like to be a Major League rookie.
“All the rookies in the bullpen have fauxhawks right now,” Crow said. “And I have to carry a Justin Bieber backpack full of candy and sunflower seeds to the bullpen everyday.”
The former Missouri pitching phenom and 2009 first round draft pick defeated all odds this spring training and made the Opening Day roster for his hometown team, the Kansas City Royals.
“It’s a dream come true,” Crow said. “I’ve always wanted to be in the big leagues. I grew up a Royals fan, so it couldn’t have worked out any better.”
Crow, who is pitching out of the bullpen for the Royals this season, is considered one of the top pitching prospects in Kansas City’s No. 1-ranked farm system. He is fourth all-time with 277 career strikeouts at Missouri and was a first team All-American in 2008.
“He had the best season of any pitcher we’ve ever had his junior year (in 2008),” Missouri baseball coach Tim Jamieson said. “He was a major league pitcher that year in terms of velocity and location. He was the complete deal.”
Although Crow may be the complete deal, his exceptional baseball talent must translate to the Majors in order for him to have the type of success he achieved in college.
“It’s definitely a step up (in competition),” Crow said. “These are the best hitters in the world, so you have to bring your A-game every single night if you want to be successful.”
Former Tiger and All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers knew exactly how to translate the success he achieved at Missouri to the tough competition at the Major League level.
“The attributes that he has in Major League baseball are the same ones he showed here,” Jamieson said of Kinsler. “Real tough competitor, real solid defensive player and a really good offensive player and a great teammate.”
Kinsler, who thrived at Missouri and is now considered one of the best infielders in all of baseball, can see the talent that Crow has.
“He throws hard and has a good fastball,” Kinsler said. “I still think he needs some time to develop, but he definitely has the potential, there’s no doubt about that.”
The all-star second baseman and American League Champion went on to offer a piece of advice to his fellow Missouri alum.
“Listen to everything that’s being thrown your way, because in my experience, everyone’s trying to help you,” Kinsler said. “Take out the things that are going to work for you, and then just basically have fun.”
Crow already appears to be having fun at the Major League level, performing extremely well in his first few games with the Royals.
“You just have to adapt and have to be confident in yourself and believe that you’re good enough to get these guys out,” Crow said.
The former Tiger is adjusting to his new life as a Major Leaguer, and although the rookie is doing it with a brand new style, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s definitely worth having a fauxhawk and carrying around that backpack to be in the big leagues.”