Max Scherzer Reflects on His Past
This time, Max Scherzer found himself with fewer words than usual.
“It’s cool,” the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher admitted. “And I feel old.”
However, Scherzer’s reflections weren’t about his 18th season in Major League Baseball or his upcoming 41st birthday in July. Instead, he was confronted with the surprising reality of his baseball tied to his sixth-grade social studies teacher, Shannon Burger, who is also the mother of Texas Rangers first baseman, Jake Burger.
Connections in Education
Shannon taught Scherzer various subjects, including world cultures and geography, at Parkway Middle School in Chesterfield, Missouri. Jake Burger, her firstborn, was born shortly before Max entered her class during the 1996-97 school year.
“How fun is that?” Shannon remarked, entertained by the coincidence.
Scherzer’s Early Years
Baseball aficionados recognize Scherzer as a three-time Cy Young Award winner, eight-time All-Star, and two-time World Series champion. Known for voicing his thoughts on various baseball issues, he was, at age 12, a child of many opinions as described by Shannon. Yet, he was not the troublemaker many might expect from a younger version of the competitive player.
“He was a very smart kid, and definitely athletic,” Shannon recalled. “I don’t remember him missing much school for baseball, but he could sure throw a softball far.”
A Serendipitous Encounter
Jake Burger learned about his mother’s connection to Scherzer during high school, by which point Scherzer was already an accomplished Major Leaguer. When Jake was traded to the Miami Marlins during the 2023 trade deadline, he reminisced with teammate Dane Dunning, who had recently joined the Rangers, about Scherzer.
The Reunion
After some conversation about Scherzer, Dunning approached him at the field, inquiring if he had a Mrs. Burger as a teacher. Scherzer pieced together the connection and shared a fond memory of her.
Later, during a game between the Rangers and the Marlins, Jake finally met Scherzer, resulting in a reunion filled with nostalgia and mutual respect.
Reflecting on Careers
Scherzer and Jake Burger have shared experiences that bridge their early lives and career paths; neither was seen as a significant prospect in high school, but both persevered and became first-round picks in their respective drafts. Jake, who has compiled 1,344 plate appearances in the majors, awaits a chance to compete against Scherzer in May.
While it may be a passage of time for both former teacher and student, there’s anticipation for upcoming encounters, even if they haven’t shared a ballpark since Max was 12.
