Jason Karas was arguably the most threatening offensive player in Behrend baseball history. He etched his name in nearly three dozen records in just two years on the baseball diamond. The power hitter and two-time All-AMCC choice finished his career third all-time with 101 RBIs, fourth in home runs (14) and fifth in doubles (25).

Karas joined the team in 2001 after transferring from Penn State Beaver, where he earned All-Conference twice and led the squad to a pair of Junior College World Series appearances. During his two seasons with the Lions, he posted a .386 batting average, 102 hits, 101 RBI, 74 runs, 25 doubles, 14 home runs and eight triples.

Karas had minor league strength and the body type required to be successful at the next level. The starting third baseman, smacked 49 hits and drove in 49 runs to break the season-single record for most RBIs. Karas also posted 13 doubles, four triples and four home runs to earn All-AMCC honorable mention accolades.

The intensity and hard work during his senior campaign validated him as one of the best hitters in program history. Karas drove in the deciding run in the top of the ninth inning to lead the Lions to their first-ever ECAC Championship. The slugging lefty broke his own record for RBI’s in season (52) and cranked out 10 home runs, the second most long balls all-time in a season. Karas undoubtedly returned to the All-Conference squad, this time as a first-team choice and was picked by the team as Most Improved Player.

He also helped Behrend shatter team and individual records while compiling one of the finest seasons in college history. The Lions set a school record with 35 wins to rank fourth in Division III for best winning percentage. The club also established marks for games played (43), singles (329), doubles (78), triples (19), home runs (25), walks (196), sacrifices (53), RBIs (302), batting average (.339) and pitching strikeouts (250).

After graduation, Karas was selected to participate in tryouts with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was also offered a professional contract with the Washington Wild Things.