Cole Hansen receives 2026 Bobby Gasper Award
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Baseball Association announced that Cole Hansen has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Bobby Gasper Award. The presentation took place during an on‑field ceremony at Watertown Stadium as Post 17 hosted Huron in a doubleheader.
The award is unique within the Post 17 program because it is determined solely by votes from Post 17 American Legion baseball coaches and players. It was originally known as the Post 17 Award before being renamed in 2023 to honor Bobby “Boomer” Gasper, a former Post 17 catcher and 2004 Watertown High School graduate who passed away on Jan. 4, 2023.
The annual recognition is given to the player who best reflects the qualities Gasper was known for: playing the game with consistent effort, earning respect from opponents, umpires, coaches, and teammates, and showing a clear passion for being at the ballpark each day.
Hansen will also receive a $1,000 scholarship to support his upcoming college education. The scholarship is funded through the Bobby Gasper Scholarship Fund, which is supported by community free‑will offerings and local events, including the annual Taco John’s Bobby Gasper Night fundraiser.
Gasper played a central role in Watertown baseball during his time with Post 17, serving as the team’s starting catcher in 2003 and 2004. He helped lead the program to a third‑place finish at the 2004 State Tournament. His legacy continues within the program today, with Post 17 players wearing a “BG” patch on their jersey sleeves and displaying his initials and number 23 on their caps.