Casper Makes Professional Debut With Sioux Falls Pheasants

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Former North Dakota State shortstop Max Casper made his professional debut Wednesday, June 13, with the Sioux Falls Pheasants of the independent American Association.

Casper, who started 169 straight games at shortstop the past three-plus seasons at NDSU, was the starting second baseman and No. 9 hitter for Sioux Falls in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Sioux City Explorers.

Casper got a hit in his first professional at-bat, a single on a 1-1 pitch to lead off a scoreless third inning.  He finished 1-for-3 and was errorless in six chances including one double play.

The Circle Pines, Minn., product hit .300 with nine doubles, one triple and 20 RBIs this year for North Dakota State and set a school record with 169 assists.  He had a career .292 average with 16 doubles, five triples and 81 RBIs.

Casper is NDSU's all-time leader in games played (208), sac flies (10), sac bunts (33) and assists (623), ranks second in at-bats (701) and defensive chances (1032), and is third in total hits (205).

Casper was the second NDSU player to begin pro ball Wednesday.  Four-year teammate Zach Wentz started at third base and went 0-for-4 batting eighth for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in a 10-6 loss at the St. Paul Saints.