In summer league play during his high school days, it was obvious to most that right-hander Aaron Crow had the physical tools to get collegiate hitters out. But University of Missouri coach Tim Jamieson saw another intangible to dominate at this level and beyond: nerves of steel.

“In his summer teams he was used as a closer, so he was in a situation where one pitch could change the game,” Jamieson said. “Physically, he’s a tremendous athlete and has tremendous physical skills. But the intangibles make you a great pitcher.”

Crow, who will start his junior year at the front of the Tigers’ rotation, got a chance to show off that mettle his freshman year. Pushed into the rotation prematurely because of an injury to another starter, Crow struggled to a 0-4 record kept his team in most games.

He picked up his first collegiate victory with a 4-1 complete-game win against Pepperdine in a regional semifinal. Crow allowed just six hits and no walks while striking out three.

“He is a great competitor, and he is just so great in tough situations,” Jamieson said. “And he’s a winner.”

This year, Crow was named to the preseason third team All-American selection after going 9-4 with a 3.59 ERA and a team-high 90 strikeouts and two complete games. He also pitched at least seven innings in 11 of his 18 starts and led the team in wins (9), starts and innings (117.2).

Crow admitted the big victory over Pepperdine boosted his self-esteem and reminded him he was where he belonged.

 “I wasn’t that successful freshman year by the numbers, but I pitched well at times during season,” he said. “That last time against Pepperdine gave me a lot of confidence for summer, as well as the rest of year.”

            Those good vibes carried over to the Cape Cod season, where Crow dominated. He led the league with a 0.67 ERA, which earned him the starting nod for the West All-Star squad and top prospect of the league honors from Baseball America. Jamieson said his fastball jumped from 91 to 93 mph to 94 to 96, even topping out at 98 on occasion, which he complements with a slider and changeup he can spot with ease.

            The strong summer showing only added to Crow’s growing confidence, according to Jamieson. “I think more than anything else, it increased his confidence and progression as a pitcher,” Jamieson said. “That happens any time you are capable of getting the best hitters out in the game. And it also increased his reputation; you win a lot of games just on your reputation.”

            The modest Crow said it was just a matter of getting in extra work that was all the difference. “I think just learning how to pitch; that extra ability helped me when I was out there by developing what pitch to use in certain situation,” he admitted. “What I learned out there has really helped me out here.”

            The results are showing themselves already. For 2008, Crow earned the victory in Missouri’s season opener by striking out seven in five innings in a 7-1 Tigers win over UConn in the Stetson Invitational in Deland, Fla.

            But Jamieson warned against expect all the success and accolades to go to Crow’s head any time soon. He is still working as hard as ever to improve and to show he has what it takes to pitch in the Major Leagues.

“I think he’s handling it really well,” Jamieson said. “He hasn’t shown any signs of becoming a selfish individual. He is still respected and well-liked as a teammate. A little bit more swagger, but not negative in any way.”