LEWISTON, IDAHO- At the climax of the pre-Avista-NAIA World Series festivities, Southeastern senior left-handed pitcher Kasey Gast was recognized with the NAIA Hank Burbridge Champions of Character Player Award. Gast was selected as the recipient amongst all 10 World Series team’s nominees.
The award was created 2004 to annually recognize an NAIA baseball player that displays exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field of play, on their campuses and in their communities.
In addition, winners of the Burbridge award consistently model the NAIA Champions of Character initiative’s five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
Hank Burbridge served as the head coach of the Spring Arbor University baseball team for 40 years, retiring in 2004.
Gast leads Bible studies with both teammates and classmates. He also helps at soup kitchens and leads a community outreach to local little leagues. He has done missions trips to Rumney, New Hampshire to restore a Christian youth center.
The Odenten, Maryland native has also worked for the MLB RBI program in inner city Washington DC, running clinics alongside MLB players and coaches. Lastly, he served as a mentor for the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association, teaching both baseball and life skills to underprivileged youth.
Gast and the Fire commence play in the World Series this afternoon versus St. Thomas at 6 p.m. eastern.
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