Helps Leads Baseball Squad With Bat

March 27, 2001

Jason Helps will be the first to tell you that he isn't very loud or talkative. Of course, CMU's starting shortstop doesn't need to talk much...his game speaks volumes.

This baseball season has gotten off to a successful start thanks to a strong but young squad led by the team's four seniors, Helps included. With a MAC "Player of the Week" honor already bestowed upon him this season, Jason is leading by brilliant example. For the Wyoming, Ontario native, the leadership role isn't a stressful...just a part of being a senior.

"We [the four seniors] feel we have to be leaders for a fairly young team," Helps explained. "It's not pressure for me at all. It's more like a senior leadership."

The health fitness major has long term goals of going into physical therapy, but right now, he has his sights set on a dream that can be accomplished much sooner.

"Winning the MAC Championship and making it to regionals, those are my two big goals. I could use a MAC ring," the 6-0, 180-pound Helps laughed. "We were so close last year in the semi-finals and we got a taste of what it's like. Now I want it."

His goal isn't out of reach by any means. Helps leads the team with six home runs and his highly acclaimed play at shortstop blends consistency with outstanding ability. Shortstop is a position that comes naturally to Jason...a discovery that came when he was placed there as an eight-year-old.

"It's the only position I've ever played," Helps explained. "I'm comfortable there. I wouldn't want to play any other position."

A few years ago, CMU might not have been lucky enough to have the talented Helps on the roster. A conversation with a coach on the U.S. side of the border changed his mind.

"I was just going to go to school in Canada. I spoke with my summer baseball coach who was also a coach at St. Clair Community College (in Port Huron) and he talked me into going there," Helps said. "CMU coaches came to watch me at St. Clair. I knew they had a good team and that the shortstop would be leaving, so it seemed like the right place to come. I'm glad I came here...I can't imagine being anywhere else. I don't want to imagine where I'd be playing if I hadn't come here!"

Even with a MAC ring, the end of this season will be bittersweet. With the end of the season comes graduation and the traditional goodbyes.

"It'll be sad to go," he explained. "We're pretty close. The guys are great and it's been great to get to know everyone."

by: Christine Ayar, Sports Information Assistant