Never before has the Algonac baseball team been this dominant.
That’s partially because the Muskrats have never had a player like Josh Kasner before.
The junior was voted Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week on Thursday for the week of April 17-22. He threw a no-hitter in the Muskrats’ 10-0 win over Richmond on April 18. Kasner struck out nine batters that day, in what was his second no-hitter in as many starts.
The Times Herald recently caught up with the righty to learn more about him.
Times Herald: How long have you been playing baseball?
Josh Kasner: I’ve been playing since I started tee-ball. So, probably when I was 4 or 5 years old. Then throughout Little League, I would always play up with my brother and he’s a couple years older.
TH: How did you become one of the top players in Michigan?
Kasner: I’ve always been good at baseball. But I think it’s (a result of) putting in the extra work after practice. I’d always go to practice and I was a naturally good player. But I figured out that I’d have to put in the extra work if I wanted to get a step ahead of everyone else. So since my freshman year, I’ve been putting in a lot more work (than what’s expected).
TH: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Kasner: I’d say Edwin Diaz, the MLB pitcher. Just because he’s one of the best closers in the game. When he walks out, the hype around the stadium is pretty cool. I always like watching that.
TH: What do you enjoy doing outside of playing baseball?
Kasner: Sports wise, I’ve wrestled my whole life. I’m a pretty good wrestler — two-time All-State (selection) in high school for wrestling. So I’ve always enjoyed doing that. Usually in the summer, when I’m not playing baseball, I’m just hanging out with friends around town.
TH: What individual goal do you have for the rest of this season?
Kasner: It would probably be to have a 0.00 ERA throughout the regular season. Because last year, I gave up one earned run in the regular season. So, I’m hoping to give up none (this year).
Contact Brenden Welper at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Get to know Josh Kasner, the Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week