Bottom row (left to right): Mike Bauer, Christian Heutel, Andrew Dean, Nicole Smythe and Alex Stone.
May 29, 2025
Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu
Missouri’s Major League Baseball rivalry is more than a competition between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s a shared passion fueled by tradition, loyalty — and for these 10 University of Missouri alumni, a love for the game.
Mizzou offers several degree programs that allow students to get involved with professional sports teams in impactful ways beyond being an athlete — from broadcasting and medicine to business and sport management.
Whether they’re behind the scenes or capturing the action on the field, here are some Tiger alums who are using their degrees to bring skills, passion and pride to both sides of Missouri’s baseball rivalry — and proving there’s more than one way to play a part in the game.
Royals staff
Tim Bavester, BS ’14 — Manager of Player Development Technology
Major: parks, recreation, sport and tourism (sport management)
A decade with the Royals has taken Bavester from minor league video coordinator to a key figure in the organization’s player development efforts. As the current manager of player development technology, he ensures Kansas City's future stars have every analytical tool they need to succeed.
Breckyn Crocker, BJ ’17 — Director, Media & Channel
Major: journalism (strategic communication)
From leading campaigns at MOJO Ad as a Mizzou student to directing marketing strategies for an MLB team, Crocker — who has spent the past three years with the Royals — now manages how the team engages with their fans across platforms, keeping them connected to the club year-round.
Jacek Haskey, BS ’23 — Game Crew
Major: parks, recreation, sport and tourism (sport management)
From coordinating first pitches to managing mid-inning entertainment, Haskey ensures that every moment on the field runs smoothly. For the past year, he’s been the unseen force keeping the Royals’ in-game experience seamless and engaging.
Amy Kontras, BJ ’13 — Photographer
Major: journalism
With a camera in hand and an eye for storytelling, Kontras documents player and fan reactions during each Royals’ home game. For the past two years, her photos have supported the Royals’ marketing, social media, sponsorships and archives, making her work part of the franchise’s visual legacy.
Anne Rogers, BJ ’19, BA ’19 — Royals Beat Writer for MLB.com
Majors: journalism and psychological sciences
Rogers brings Royals stories to life from inside the clubhouse. Now in her fifth season as the team’s beat writer, she combines her journalism training with a passion for baseball to offer fans an insider’s perspective season after season.
Cardinals staff
Mike Bauer, BJ ’15 — Social Media Strategist
Major: journalism (strategic communication)
For Bauer, managing the Cardinals’ social media isn’t just a job — it’s a dream. Now in his third season at Busch Stadium, he brings energy, creativity and heart to every post that connects Cardinals fans with their team in real time.
Andrew Dean, BS ’14 — Director of Ticket Development
Major: parks, recreation, sport and tourism (sport management)
Dean has spent the past 10 years helping to grow the Cardinals’ relationships within the community. Now, as director of ticket development, he’s leading a ticket sales team and contributing to the overall ticketing strategy for the organization.
Christian Heutel, BS ’21 — Premium Service Account Executive
Major: parks, recreation, sport and tourism (sport management)
With a deep appreciation for Cardinals baseball and event operations, Heutel has spent the past four years ensuring the team’s clients enjoy unforgettable game-day moments. She stepped into her current role after building a strong foundation in group and direct sales with the organization.
Nicole Smythe, BS’ 21, MBA ’22 — Facility Coordinator
Majors: parks, recreation, sport and tourism (sport management), Master of Business Administration
While completing her master’s degree at Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, Smythe got her start with the Cardinals as a direct sales representative. Now in her third year with the organization, she leads key aspects of stadium operations as facility coordinator and communicates closely with all stadium personnel.
Alex Stone, BS ’16 — Manager, Ticket Services
Major: parks, recreation, sport and tourism (sport management)
For the past eight years, Stone has worked to ensure fans have an enjoyable experience in Busch Stadium. Now as the manager of ticket services, his outgoing personality and strong work ethic make him a trusted leader and go-to resource for both colleagues and fans alike.
