Sophomore outfielder Asher Shipman is quickly becoming a name to know for the Kiefer Trojans baseball program, bringing a mix of quiet consistency and competitive edge to the lineup. He plays the game with a simple mindset rooted in respect, effort and team-first baseball.
Shipman, a 10th grader at Kiefer High School, said his biggest inspirations come from home. “My mom and sister” are the people who drive him the most, he said, motivating him to work, improve and represent his family well every time he takes the field. In the classroom, he points to geometry as his favorite subject and credits his former English teacher, Ms. Rider, as a standout educator in his school experience.
On the field, Shipman patrols the outfield, a position he said is demanding because of “the area you have to cover.” He embraces that challenge and loves the moments when a ball is driven his way, and he has a chance to make a play for his teammates. At the plate, he keeps his approach straightforward, saying his favorite pitch to hit is a “fastball all day.”
Shipman’s view of the game reflects an old-school mentality. When asked about the best unwritten rule in baseball, he didn’t hesitate: “Don’t bunt in a blowout,” he said, showing his respect for opponents and the spirit of competition.
What he enjoys most about being part of the Trojans is “just knowing we are all pulling the rope in the same direction.” He said the team is close, continues to improve and is led vocally and emotionally by teammates Phillip and Carson, who keep everyone talking and laughing. Away from the diamond, Shipman spends most of his free time playing his PS5, but his biggest takeaway from athletics is serious: “Work hard and you’ll see results,” he said, a lesson he plans to carry with him long after his days at Kiefer.
