Scott Neal came to Southwestern University from Houston Lee High School. By the end of his sophomore year at Southwestern University he began to show some of the excellence that would place him high on an elite list of outstanding Pirate pitchers. he was the ace pitcher on the 1984 team that compiled a 56-16 record, and finished third at the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. Neal posted a 16-3 mark in his senior-year that helped earn him NAIA First Team All America honors. He also was named to the NAIA All Region team in 1984, and was selected to the All Big State Conference teams both in 1983 and 1984. His career record (30-7, ERA of 2.62) attracted professional scouts, and he signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1984. A four-year letterman, Neal graduated in May 1984 with a degree in business.