(from Local Legends II The Jasper baseball program is one of the finest in the entire state, and

the story was both eye-opening and inspirational.)

Jasper Baseball: First Class All the Way

One look at the complex that is the home of Jasper High School baseball is all it takes

to understand why the program is one of the strongest in the state. And one discussion with
either of Jaspers most recent coaches is all it takes to see that the program is so much more than
that.

With some huge shoes to fill, the administration considered seeking out a big name coach
from outside the area, but when they consulted Coach Howard, he suggested they look in their
own backyard

We try to make every ballgame feel like a big league experience, Coach Gobert
explained from his office in the complex. Every game is an event. We try to make it special.
The office where we met was part of a facility that would be the pride and joy of many college
programs. The idea was conceived when Jasper baseball alum Scott Rolen suggested that
players, including himself, could use a nice place to hit in the off-season. From that seed grew a
project, and contrary to what some folks believe, it wasnt funded by someone with deep pockets
writing a huge check. Instead, Rolen offered signed memorabilia as an incentive for many
smaller investors to have their names on the plaque at the entrance.

In 1997, Sarah Gobert, the infant daughter of Terry and Caroline, was diagnosed with
leukemia, and for the next year, the entire baseball community shared the horrible ordeal with
the Goberts. When Saras little body finally gave out in 1998, the outpouring of support was
immense, and as a result, a small park was built where families can gather. Today, every time
Terry pulls into the complex, he sees Sarahs Place, the small park that stands as a monument to
the spirit of his little girl.

Last but not least on Rays list was Mike Ballenger, one of the finest all-around athletes
in Jasper history. At 63, Ballenger had all the skills, including a powerful arm at quarterback
that Terry Gobert heard was good enough to draw the attention of the Dallas Cowboys, who
asked to see footage. Ballenger was also good enough in basketball to earn a spot on the Indiana
All-Stars, and on the diamond, he left his name all over the record book.

One of Coach Rays favorite memories of Ballenger was the 1981 baseball semi-state at
Huntingburg. The Wildcats were scheduled to play Mooresville at 1:30, and Mike had to take
his ACT exam at 11:00 in Bloomington. So Coach Howard came up with a solution. Local
supporter Bob Ruckriegel owned BR Associates, a company that owned many Wendys and
Long John Silver restaurants. Because of this, Bob had access to the company helicopter, which
picked Ballenger up in Bloomington. One can only imagine the sight as the Mooresville players
stood leaning on the right field fence as the chopper landed behind the centerfield fence. As Ray
tells it, Mike emerged with his uniform on a hanger and then proceeded to mow down the
Pioneers with a two-hit shutout. Ballenger was good enough to be offered a contract with
Kansas City but opted to play basketball for Joe B. Hall at Kentucky because of his fathers
allegiance as a Big Blue fan.

Yet another thrill for Gobert was a call he received in 1996. Terry was working with
announcer Kurt Gutsgell editing video footage at 11:30 at night when the phone rang. On the
other end was Scott Rolen, and he said, Coach, I got the call. Im going to the big leagues!
Gobert promptly called Cory Luebbehusen, Scotts good friend, and within an hour, Cory, his
little brother, Gutsgell and Gobert were on their way to Philadelphia.
After the 13-hour drive, the men took their seats and watched Rolens first at-bat and then
his first hit, a double against the Cardinals. Terry watched and later asked Scott what was said in
his verbal exchange with hall of fame Cardinal shortstop Ozzie Smith. Apparently Smith asked,
Was that your first hit, kid? Rolen politely said, Yes, sir, to which Ozzie said, Im sure
there will be many more and tossed the ball into the Philadelphia dugout for Scott to keep.