Jason Helps was a standout baseball player for the Skippers from 1997-1999. The smooth fielding shortstop earned a scholarship to Central Michigan University, where he started for the Chips during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 22^nd round of the 2001 MLB draft.

“Helps was an outstanding shortstop,” according to Skippers head coach Rick Smith. “He had great quickness, hands, and a strong arm, which allowed him to make some unbelievable plays. He also developed into a really good hitter. During my more than 30 years of coaching college baseball, Jason stands out as the best shortstop I had the privilege of coaching.”

Helps frequently surprised opposing teams and entertained fans as he gunned down a runner on a play that would be a hit for most. He was also a great student, finishing his time at SC4 with a GPA above 3.5 and earning an Associate in Science degree before completing his bachelor’s degree at CMU.

“SC4 was the perfect fit for me,” Helps said. “Coach Smith gave me the opportunity to play college baseball and continue my education close to home. SC4 helped me improve my skills and gain experience on and off the field and after two years I was offered a chance to play D1 baseball at CMU and then was selected in the MLB draft.”

When asked about choosing SC4, Helps said “I cherished all the time spent with teammates, competing on the field, road trips and the relationships created during my time playing for the Skippers.”

Helps was selected as team captain and named the MVP for the Chips in 2001. His name is listed throughout the CMU record books as he hit 15 home runs, 30 extra base hits, was walked 41 times and scored 61 runs in 2001.

Helps lives in Petrolia, Ontario with his wife Jamilee and their three children Jack, Jamison and Jaylen.