The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

News

Gasser Emerges as Consistent Bat in Oilmen Lineup

07/10/2014 10:59 AM -

Jason Gasser is a multi-sport athlete in football and baseball who graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago. Gasser had to travel 45 minutes every day to go to high school all the way from his house in Dyer, Ind.

Gasser had to make the decision after high school to either play Division-I football or Division-I baseball at either Ball State University or Northern Illinois University. Gasser had played both sports for over 13 years, but made the decision to focus on baseball at Northern Illinois.

Gasser was one of the few athletes from the state of Illinois to win a state championship in both football and baseball. 

“Coach [Ed] Mathey seemed like a great guy and heard great things about him,” Gasser said. “He has been pretty successful at NIU.”

Gasser has been one most consistent and one of the best hitters on the Oilmen, hitting .318 with 11 runs batted in and a .416 on-base percentage. His stats are no surprise since he hit .425 drove in 33 runs his senior year at Mount Carmel.

“It has been spectacular and everyone has been great to me,” Gasser said. “I plan help the Oilmen bring home the championship where it belongs.”

Gasser has started in 18 out of the 22 Oilmen games this season with Oilmen manager Justin Huisman switching him all over the outfield.

“I wanted improve in my game and stay close to home for my first summer home from college,” Gasser said. “I saw some playing time my freshman year. I plan to be a leader next year with the experience.”

Gasser is one of the eight Oilmen who made the MCL All-Star Game. He joins Craig Dedelow as the two outfielders from the Oilmen to make the All-Star Game. 

“I put in a lot hard work and had dedication,” Gasser said. “I am glad my hard work has been paying off as it shows that I am one of the best in the MCL.”

Gasser gets fan support from his friends that live in Dyer that grew up with him, and always gets support from his parents, who come out to every game.

Gasser was welcomed by teammate Nate Schneider and the two have become close friends. Gasser has a few friends that play with Schneider in college at Western Michigan University.

“I plan to get better as the season moves along and help my teammates as well,” Gasser said. “I want to help the Oilmen as much as I can.”