Bobby “Boomer” Gasper passed away on January 4th, 2023.  Boomer graduated from Watertown High School in 2004.  Bobby played baseball in the Watertown system all the way through High School, highlighted by being the Post 17 Legion starting catcher in 2003 and 2004. He helped lead his team to a 3rd place finish in the 2004 State Tournament, which was Watertown’s highest finish in a State Tournament since 1998.  Bobby was loved by everyone that he came in contact with, umpires, coaches, the opposing team and most importantly his teammates.  

Boomer loved being at the baseball field every single day, he simply just loved playing baseball.  

For those that knew Bobby, he really liked to ‘look good’ as he always had matching golf clothes, new tennis shoes, or styling shirt and hat! In order to honor him and keep this memory alive, Post 17 players will continue to wear the BG patch on the sleeve of their jerseys, and his initials & #23 on their black Bobby Gasper Hat. 

Bobby's Sr year he was awarded the “Post 17 Award'' voted on by his coaches and teammates.  The Post 17 award  is described as a player that plays the game hard, is respected by his opponents, umpires, coaches and teammates and just loves being at the baseball field every single day.  This individual does things around the field without direction, is a leader and role model on and off the baseball field.  They continue to push their teammates during hard times and success.  But most importantly represents Watertown Baseball with the highest class.  

Starting in 2023  the Watertown Baseball Association renamed  the “Post 17 Award” to the “Bobby Gasper Award”.  Using the funds that were donated in Bobby's name, the Bobby Gasper Scholarship fund was established. The winner of the Bobby Gasper Award will also be gifted a $1,000 Scholarship from the “Bobby Gasper Scholarship Fund” to the college that he will be attending.  

Marcus Rabine