MaxPreps 2015 Missouri preseason baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Westminster Christian (St. Louis)
2014 finish: 31-5
Head coach: Rich Van Gilst

By all accounts, this should be a down season for Westminster Christian since it graduated 12 seniors. However, last year coach Rich Van Gilst lost his top player to injury and still managed to win a fourth-straight Class 4 state championship. This year's team will be filled with sophomores and juniors, although a key senior is Luke Matheny (6-2, 1.88 ERA), son of St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. His brother Jake will play catcher while junior Benjamin Sems is back at second base.

View last season's Missouri baseball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
2014 finish: 21-11
Head coach: Mason Horne



A deep senior class could pave the way for a championship season for Christian Brothers, as the infield returns almost completely intact. Top players include Matt Vierling in the outfield and at pitcher, Marcos Martinez at shortstop, Shane Melbrod at third base, Ryan Deering at first base and Stephen Haring in the outfield.

View last season's Missouri baseball playoff brackets

3. Rock Bridge (Columbia)
2014 finish: 24-14
Head coach: Justin Towe

After struggling through the regular season with 14 losses, Rock Bridge caught fire in the postseason and won the Class 5A state championship. Seven players who have been on the varsity team since their sophomore seasons return, including all-state outfielder Connor Brumfield, who has committed to Missouri. Other returning players include all-state pitcher Logan Twehous, all-state outfielder Joe Barbee. The team's top junior is Cole Evans, who has already received an offer from Missouri.

View last season's Missouri baseball stat leaders

4. Howell (St. Charles)
2014 finish: 29-11
Head coach: Tony Perkins



Howell has reached the state championship game in three of the past four seasons, winning state titles in 2011 and 2013. The Vikings have three of the team's top six hitters back from last year in infielder Justin Perkins (.347), outfielder Ryan Perkins (.361) and shortstop Ryan Grantham (.359). The pitching staff also has experience with Braydon Cook (4-3), Matt Graser (4-0) and Mason King (3-1) returning.

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5. Vianney (Kirkwood)
2014 finish: 21-9
Head coach: Scott Brown

Vianney has been one of the more successful programs in Missouri, averaging 28 wins a year for the past five seasons. Last year it reached the Class 5 semifinals before falling to Howell. Vianney returns a number of starters from last year, including Neil Fischer, Chris Cornelius and Ryan Knernschield.