The Emergence of a Phenom
Jacob Misiorowski, widely known by his nickname "The Miz," has rapidly transformed from a raw, hard-throwing prospect into arguably the most formidable pitcher in Major League Baseball. At just 24 years old, the Milwaukee Brewers ace has already secured two All-Star selections, captivating fans with a fastball that consistently reaches speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Early Days: The "Baby Giraffe" Phase
Misiorowski’s path to stardom was far from traditional. During his freshman year at Grain Valley High School in Missouri, he was a skinny, six-foot-tall outfielder. Brian Driskell, his former high school coach, recalls him as being "like a baby giraffe," possessing long limbs and raw athleticism. Despite his lack of command, he was hitting 82 mph on the radar gun as a freshman—a velocity level rarely seen at that age.
His development accelerated during his sophomore year, marked by a massive growth spurt of approximately five inches. By his junior year, standing at nearly 6-foot-7, Misiorowski began to master his mechanics. His unique frame allowed for exceptional extension and "hidden" delivery, making him a nightmare for opposing hitters. His junior campaign concluded with a 9-2 record and two no-hitters, cementing his status as a prospect to watch.
Navigating Hurdles and Scouting Belief
The road ahead was challenging. The 2020 pandemic canceled his senior season, followed by a meniscus injury that cost him his freshman year at Crowder College. During these years, Milwaukee Brewers scouts Riley Bandelow and Drew Anderson remained his staunchest supporters. Bandelow noted, "I'm all-in on this kid and have nothing to really back it up with... I was basically sitting there for two years saying this is the best kid."
The belief paid off when Misiorowski returned to the mound for his sophomore season at Crowder. He didn't just return; he exploded, consistently hitting 96-99 mph and touching 100 mph. Following a dominant season where he posted a 10-0 record with 136 strikeouts, the Brewers selected him in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
Reaching the Big Leagues
Despite skepticism from other clubs regarding his longevity as a starter, the Brewers maintained their vision. Misiorowski ascended through the minor leagues with a 3.04 ERA and 320 strikeouts. His major-league debut in June 2025 signaled the arrival of a new force in the sport, highlighted by five no-hit innings and a 102.3 mph fastball.
In 2026, he reached unprecedented levels. As the Brewers' ace, he has notched a 1.62 ERA and a league-leading 167 strikeouts. Notably, he recently clocked a 105.5 mph pitch, the fastest recorded by a starter since the inception of pitch tracking in 2008. His success is largely attributed to improved control and a simplified mindset:
«I had teammates tell me, 'Hey, your stuff's good enough to not have to nibble. Go middle.' And I trusted it.»
A Grounded Superstar
Off the field, Misiorowski remains known for his humble and "wholesome" personality, frequently seen engaging in hobbies like collecting Pokémon cards. As he continues to refine his craft, he is increasingly being viewed as a potential face of baseball. For those who scouted him from his high school days, his success is the ultimate validation of a player who combined raw, explosive power with a relentless drive to improve.