Jasper Reds are a shining example of baseball heritage in Dubois Co.

JASPER, Ind. (WEHT) – The Jasper Reds are believed to be the oldest semi-pro baseball team in the country. They were established in 1893.

The Reds have had 12 Major League Baseball players come through their squad. They also played a night game in 1934 that predates the first one in MLB.

There are less and less semi-pro teams in the country, but Jasper remains after all this time. One of the people that keeps it going is Bob Alles, the team’s business manager.

He’s been part of the team as a player, coach, or manager for 52 years. It’s something his father and brothers have always been a part of.

“When I was a kid, my dad played. He would take us to the games, and afterwards we’d run the bases before they shut the lights off. It’s been a family thing,” said Alles.

2024 Jasper High School graduate, Andrew Noblitt, now plays for them. He said the Reds’ existence shows how intertwined Jasper is with baseball.

“It’s a strong community that supports baseball, whether it’s high school or the Reds,” said Noblitt.

Nowadays the team is consisted of college kids and a few older players, but the identity remains.

“It’s just a bunch of guys that love the game and want to play ball,” said Alles.

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