By Owen Sterner

Reporter

The Jag

On March 8th, Blue Springs South baseball coach Ben Baier will be inducted into the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, marking a major milestone in his career. He described his reaction with humility.  

“I was surprised, honored, and humbled by the opportunity,” Baier said. “It’s not something I ever imagined or even wanted.” 

The induction comes as Baier enters his 18th season as head coach. During his tenure, he’s led South to a state championship, 307 wins, and 10 district titles. He emphasized that the program’s success has always been a collective effort. 

“Personally, it’s gratifying,” he said. “I’ve been surrounded by great individuals, coaches, and assistants and we all worked hard for the kids and the program.” 

Baier also connected the honor to the program’s past, as he becomes the second South coach to receive the induction, following former head coach Richard Wood. 

“It’s nice to be recognized on that level, we’re the eighth high school in the state with a coach in the hall of fame,” he said. 

His career began after a shoulder injury while on the field in college.  

“I knew I still wanted to be involved in the game,” Baier said. “I had a great connection with [my high school coach], and it’s something I wanted to have with others.” 

But that connection, he noted, requires patience and care. He explained that helping athletes recognize their potential is still a challenge. 

“Trying to get the most out of the kids when you know there’s more in there, that’s tough,” he said. 

Senior shortstop Cooper Callahan, one of the program’s top returning players and a 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove winner, said Baier’s guidance has shaped both his development and the identity of South baseball. 

“Coach Baier pushes us in the right ways,” Callahan said. “He sees things in us that we don’t always see in ourselves.” 

Callahan, who is committed to Southeast Missouri State, added that Baier’s approach goes far beyond the fundamentals of the game. 

“He cares about who we are as people just as much as who we are as players,” he said. “A lot of what he teaches is about competing the right way, doing things for the team, and representing [South] the best we can.” 

For Callahan, Baier’s Hall of Fame induction felt like an honor for the entire program. 

“Everyone who’s played for him knows how much time he puts in,” he said. “It’s cool to see him recognized.” 

Callahan noted that Baier’s coaching expands beyond the diamond and is shaped by trends he sees in today’s young athletes. Baier explained, 

“We live in a society where everything is about ‘me,’ but baseball is a team sport,” he said. “Our motto is we before me.” 

Over the years, Baier’s awards and accolades have created an impressive personal résumé – but he said the most meaningful part of the career comes from the relationships built in the process. 

“The program means a lot to me; it’s been a part of my life for over half of it,” he said. 

And as Baier enters the Hall of Fame, he views the honor as less a personal achievement and more a reflection of a career built on the program he loves and the people that helped shape it. 

“The kids become part of my family,” He said. “My wife and I think of them as our adoptive sons.”