When Mike Kashirsky took over as head coach for the Robert Morris Baseball program, he didn't have to think too long about whom he wanted as his pitching coach, tapping his former St. Joseph College teammate Jason Becker to oversee the Eagles' staff of hurlers.
"Jason knows what it takes to be successful at the collegiate level," says Coach Kashirsky, "and he's got experience at just about every level of competition."
Coach Becker ranks as one of St. Joseph's all-time greats. A four-year letterman for the Pumas, he led his team to the Great Lakes Valley Conference championship in his senior season, the second straight year he garnered honors as the GLVC's top shortstop. He still ranks among the Top 10 for his career in six statistical categories, holding down the top spot for stolen bases and sacrifice flies. During his junior season he reached based in nearly half of all his plate appearances, compiling an on-base percentage of .498 for the season. He also holds the SJC record for the most steals in a season, grabbing 43 sacks in during his third college campaign.
He also twice earned sports on the NCAA Division II All-Midwest Region Baseball Team while helping the Pumas to two regional titles during his tenure.
Coach Becker's performance as an intercollegiate player was rewarded when the New York Yankees drafted him after his senior season. His professional career was cut short by an injury, and he moved into coaching.
He has coached both basketball and baseball a number at a number of south suburban Chicago high schools, including Bremen in Midlothian, IL, and Tinley Park High School, in Tinley Park, IL. Since 2002, he has worked on Oak Forest High School Head Basketball Coach Mike Brown's staff. He has extensive youth baseball coaching credits, among them a stint with the Chicago White Sox Training Camps.
"I am looking forward to working with the guys to try and turn this thing around," says Coach Becker. After a few conversations with some of the pitchers, I am excited to see their enthusiasm. I can't wait to get things rolling!"
He has been a physical education teacher at Jack Hille Middle School in Forest Ridge, IL, since 2002.