Massac County star has potential record-breaking senior baseball season canceled
METROPOLIS, Ill. (BVM) – Baseball runs in the Mizell family. Almost four decades ago, Sean Mizell set numerous school records at Massac County High School, some of which he still holds today. Now, his son, Jase, has played varsity baseball at the school over the last four years as well, developing into a star. Jase had the chance this year to follow in his father’s footsteps and break multiple school records this spring, but that opportunity was unfortunately taken away from him.
Jase played football, soccer, basketball, and baseball growing up, but stuck with just basketball and baseball through high school. He began playing tee ball around 5 years old, and has been hooked on the sport ever since.
“Baseball is definitely my favorite sport. I fell in love with the game ever since I was little and have grown up with a ball in my hand ever since I can remember,” Jase said.
The 18-year-old was introduced to the game by his father, Sean, and has fond memories of watching Cubs games with him when he was younger. The support he has gotten from his father and the rest of his family over the years has been important for Jase.
“My dad has definitely played a big part and he’s always been there, coaching me ever since I was little,” Jase said. “It’s been nothing but a joy having him around. My family as a whole has always been there for me and they are supportive with the decisions I make.”
Sean was an outstanding player in his own right, setting the season and career home run records at Massac County, as well as the career RBI record. Almost four decades later, all three still hold today. The former Patriot also went on to play baseball at a junior college after graduating high school.
With good bloodlines, Jase excelled right away as a youth baseball player. Playing in his local youth league for several years, Jase joined a travel team in Kentucky at age 9. He would later play for the Paducah Storm, and got to play down at Panama Beach with the team, one of the 18-year-old’s fondest baseball memories. Jase continued on by playing for the Southern Illinois Prospects, and now plays for the Nashville Knights during his offseasons.
But Jase has had an exceptional high school career at Massac County as well. He credits some of the seniors on the team his freshman year for getting him to where he is, as they helped show him what it takes to excel at this level.
“My freshman year we had two seniors who went to play at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and both of those kids helped me out a ton with growth and maturing in the game. They’re really good guys and I learned so much my freshman year and it carried over,” Jase said.
The power in Jase’s swing came about in his sophomore year as he continued to gain more confidence in his game. By his junior season, the Patriots had a senior-laden squad that Jase helped take to the regional championship game.
Poised for another run, the Patriots were looking forward to this spring baseball season, especially Jase. Had his team played the full schedule, it was likely that the Jase would have broken four different school records, including the career home run, season home run, and career RBI records held by his dad.
The opportunity to break the records and also be able to hold bragging rights over his father was something Jase looked forward to.
“That would’ve been awesome if I could’ve done it. It would have definitely been special for me and him to have that bond that both of us held the records at some point. He still has it over me, but I told him my little brother is going to come break them soon,” Jase said.
Unfortunately, in April, the power hitter would learn his final prep baseball season was officially canceled due to COVID-19. This moment was heartbreaking for a lot of athletes, but especially one who had the chance to place his name in several record books.
“When the IHSA came out and said there would be no games, it hurt. I knew what we could do this year and what was at stake, but at the end of the day there is nothing we can do about it,” Jase said.
Jase is now keeping busy by training in his garage and continues to hit and play catch to stay in game shape. Although it is tough to accept that his prep career is over, the 18-year-old left his mark at Massac County.
“I hope I left a legacy for the kids below me and set a good example for them. I lead through my actions and I hope I left an impact on some of those guys so they can follow in the footsteps and play the game the right way,” Jase said.
The baseball star not only left a legacy on the diamond, but also on the basketball court, where he played three years on the varsity squad for the Patriots. Jase helped lead the team to regional championship game appearances in his sophomore and senior seasons, two of his fondest memories while on the hardwood.
In the fall, Jase will attend Wabash Valley College. He plans to study finance while continuing his baseball career at the school as well.
Initially, Jase planned to play college baseball at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. But after a coaching change at the school, he decided Wabash Valley would be the best fit.
“After the coaching change, I felt it was in my best interest to go to Wabash. I actually have some friends that are going to play there as well so I felt like it was a good fit. All the coaches up there have been nothing but supportive to me, so I can’t wait to get there and start playing,” Jase said.
Most athletes who lost their senior season to uncontrollable circumstances with so much on the line like Jase would probably have a hard time moving on. But the future Warrior realizes this was an unprecedented event, and offers a positive outlook towards the future during this tough time.
“We’re all in this together. I’m hurting for the other seniors too and I feel for them. There is nothing we can do because there is something bigger going on than sports right now. But at the end of the day, baseball and sports will be back. That is something we can always count on.”
