Athlete Spotlight: Lucas Vasey

BISMARCK – When Legacy leadoff hitter Lucas Vasey steps into the batter’s box one thing is certain. He’s up there to swing.

“My approach at the plate is to attack the zone and be aggressive early in the count,’’ Vasey said. “I don’t walk too often. And If I miss my pitch and get behind early in the count, then I need to battle. I tell myself I will find a way to win the at-bat against the pitcher.”

Most often he does. The senior’s career batting average is north of .350 and owns an on-base percentage around .500. 

“He has always showcased an understanding of the strike zone and what he is trying to accomplish in the box,’’ Saber coach Eddie Streeter said. 

Sound hitting mechanics learned from playing the game at an early age along with good hand-eye coordination developed from his years playing hockey have contributed to his hitting prowess. Add in a commitment to getting stronger over the past years and Vasey has turned into one of most solid hitters in the conference.

“This past year I really focused getting a lot stronger,’’ Lucas said. “I think it’s made a big difference in bat speed and power.” 

The two-time all-WDA and all-state player has also sparkled in Legacy's infield. “Third base is his primary position and he has a great feel at that position,’’ Streeter said. “He is one of the better defensive infielders in the state.”

He can often make difficult plays look routine. Whether it’s charging a softly-hit ball and throwing on the run, or standing his ground to make a play on a sharp grounder, Vasey is steady at the hot corner.

“We practice a ton of plays and coaches worked a lot with us on playing deep and fielding balls cleanly or moving up to play a slow roller,’’ he said. A big part is getting your footwork right and making the exchange from glove to hand to make a throw smooth.”

His time on the baseball field, like many players, started at a young age. Summers were spent playing organized ball and learning the skills to be effective on the diamond. Vasey admits it’s a sport he has come to appreciate more since beginning high school play. “Something about playing a sport outside and competing for your school and playing alongside your friends. There is comraderie there…It’s been fun.”

The Saber program has been around for just eight seasons, but has elevated into one of top teams in the conference over the past three years. Legacy has finished second twice and third once and won the conference tournament in 2021. Vasey has played a role in that success and credits players and coaches for setting high expectations and forming good work habits to succeed.

“Everyone knows their role and what is expected,’’ Lucas said. “And our coaches do a good job with a game plan and how to execute it.”

The Sabers postseason last year did not measure up to the team’s expectations. Legacy qualified for the Class A Tournament, but had to settle for a sixth place showing. Vasey said this year’s squad is hungry for a better result. “Our goal is to get back to state, but also be playing our best baseball (at that time),’’ he said.  

Once the high school season ends there won’t be much of a break for Lucas. He will step right into the Legion season playing for the Bismarck Governors. 
“Having the high school season to get at-bats and play in game situations makes its easy to jump right into Legion play,’’ he said. “Legion ball is challenging because teams are deep with talent.”

This coming fall Vasey will take his baseball talents to the University of Jamestown. “I’m looking forward to it and the challenges of playing a higher level,’’ he said. “It’s been a goal to play college ball.”

Photo courtesy of Jon Jablonski