Max Scherzer’s Teacher Was Jake Burger’s Mom: A Unique Connection

The world of baseball is often full of unexpected connections, but this one is a heartwarming story that blends history, family, and a sense of destiny.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, and Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger share a unique bond that goes beyond the baseball diamond.

It all traces back to a middle school classroom in Chesterfield, Missouri, where Scherzer, then a bright-eyed sixth-grader, was taught by none other than Jake’s mom, Shannon Burger.

This fascinating link between two MLB stars has fans marveling at the small-world coincidences that bring sports stories to life.

Let’s dive deeper into this remarkable narrative and explore what makes it so special.

An Unforgettable Year in Chesterfield

Back in the 1996-97 school year, Shannon Burger, then a teacher at Parkway Middle School, had Max Scherzer in her class.

Shannon taught subjects like world cultures, geography, and some English.

Little did she know at the time that her student with heterochromia (Scherzer’s distinctively different-colored eyes) would someday become a three-time Cy Young Award winner in Major League Baseball.

As fate would have it, this was also the same year her son Jake was born, making her connection to Scherzer even more extraordinary.

A Teacher’s Eye for Talent

Shannon fondly recalls Scherzer as a “very smart kid” who stood out not just because of his unique eyes but also for his talent.

“He could throw a softball or dodgeball-type ball really far,” Shannon shared, an early glimpse into the athletic prowess that would later make Scherzer one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers.

She kept yearbooks and photos of him, including memories from a four-day outdoor camp she chaperoned.

Little did she know how their paths would cross decades later, this time through her son Jake.

The Discovery of an MLB Connection

This unlikely link between Scherzer and Jake Burger only came to light after a casual conversation over dinner.

Jake, who now plays first base for the Texas Rangers, was dining with teammate Dane Dunning, who had recently become Scherzer’s teammate.

Dunning suggested Jake ask Scherzer about his sixth-grade teacher.

Intrigued, Jake followed through, and the revelation left everyone amazed.

A Heartwarming Reunion

When the Rangers visited Miami, Jake finally had a chance to meet Scherzer in person.

The baseball veteran not only remembered his sixth-grade teacher but also had nothing but kind words to say about her.

“I loved her as a teacher,” Scherzer told Jake, solidifying this circle-of-life moment between the former student and the teacher’s son.

Scherzer and Burger: Parallels in Their Careers

Adding another layer of intrigue to this story is the striking similarity in the career trajectories of Scherzer and Jake Burger.

Neither was a major prospect coming out of high school, yet both defied the odds to make it to MLB stardom.

Scherzer played college baseball at the University of Missouri, while Jake went to Missouri State University.

Coincidentally, both were selected 11th overall in the MLB draft, albeit years apart.

It’s a testament to perseverance and hard work—values Shannon likely instilled in both during her teaching career.

The Anticipated Matchup

Although Scherzer and Burger have yet to face each other on the field, fans won’t have to wait too long.

Their teams are scheduled to meet in Texas in late May, creating the perfect opportunity for this poetic story to unfold even further.

And for those keeping track, a Toronto matchup in mid-August is also on Shannon’s calendar.

Now the dean of students at Villa Duchesne, she hopes to witness her son and former student share the same field in what would undoubtedly be an emotional moment.

Max Scherzer’s Reflection: “I Feel Old”

For Scherzer, who turns 41 in July and is entering his 18th major league season, this revelation about his sixth-grade teacher brings on mixed emotions.

While he finds the connection “cool,” he jokingly admitted, “I feel old.”

It’s a poignant reminder of the passing of time and how the threads of one’s past can resurface in the most unexpected ways.

In a sport that often feels larger than life, stories like this ground us in the beauty of human connections.

Max Scherzer’s journey from a middle school classroom in Missouri to baseball greatness, and the intertwining of his story with Jake Burger, is a testament to the small-world magic of sports.

Whether they battle at the plate or share a handshake before a game, one thing is certain—this teacher-student narrative is one for the history books.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Max Scherzer’s sixth-grade teacher? Fellow major leaguer Jake Burger’s mom