Brother Jasper was the first baseball coach at MU and introduced the famous “seventh inning
stretch.”
MANHATTAN.EDU/ COURTESY
Leyla J. Mercado, Features Editor and Ass. Social Media Editor
Manhattan University’s (MU) Brother Jasper, both the university’s mascot and a historical figure, has long served as a symbol of campus spirit. For more than a century, MU has maintained this historically rooted identity, with its mascot evolving from a tribute to a prominent figure in the university’s history into an animated representation of Jasper pride.
In the late 19th century, MU’s athletic teams began informally referring to themselves as the “Jaspers,” a nickname inspired by Brother Jasper, the university’s first athletic director. The institution officially adopted the nickname in 1926, cementing its connection to the university’s athletic identity.
Brother Jasper is also widely credited with introducing the seventh-inning stretch. During a hot and humid game in June 1882 against the semi-professional New York Metropolitans, Brother Jasper, then the prefect of discipline, noticed the restless crowd. He called a timeout during the seventh inning and instructed spectators in the bleachers to stand and stretch. The practice became a tradition at MU and eventually spread to Major League Baseball (MLB), in part through the university’s annual exhibition games against the New York Giants.
Erick Rivera, a freshman civil engineering major, emphasized the significance of Brother Jasper’s historical legacy to the university’s identity.
“Knowing that we have a mascot that’s full of so much history is definitely something that left me surprised in the best way possible,” Rivera said. “I didn’t even know that the seventh inning strike came from MU so that’s always a good fun fact to keep in mind. I’m glad that the MLB has a piece of MU. We often get that we’re a hidden gem, but to know that’s the case even in the sense of history is also insane to me.”
Brother Jasper arrived at MU in 1851, serving as head of resident students, chief disciplinarian and the university’s first athletic director. He introduced baseball to the university in 1863, helping establish the foundation of MU’s athletic culture.
For today’s student-athletes and the broader student body, being a Jasper represents an underdog mentality rooted in hard work, resilience and community inclusivity. Brother Jasper’s legacy serves as a reminder of a leader who prioritized student well-being alongside athletic competition, fostering a sense of pride that extends throughout the campus community, including faculty.
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Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., chair and professor of political science and coordinator of community-engaged learning, further explored this connection in an interview with The Quadrangle.
“I’ve never known who inhabits the Brother Jasper costume, and I expect that will continue, but it’s always nice to see him around campus,” Groarke said.
Rivera shared a similar curiosity, explaining that even upperclassmen have been unable to identify the person behind the mascot. He added that the mystery has made Brother Jasper’s appearances around Draddy Gymnasium all the more enjoyable.
“I’ve even spoken to upper-classmen about it to see if they know who it is, but they also have no idea,” Rivera said. “For some reason, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a big mystery. I thought others would know but it really is cool to just see him [Brother Jasper] all around Draddy.”
Rather than adopting an animal costume, MU brought Brother Jasper to life as a human character. The costumed mascot features an oversized head, an enthusiastic grin and a traditional black suit. Portrayed anonymously by students, Brother Jasper maintains a high-energy presence at various athletic events.
As MU searches for its next mascot performer, Antoine Orr, assistant director of wellness and recreation and head coach of club basketball, discussed the selection process, qualifications and key considerations for choosing the next Brother Jasper.
“This person should be passionate about engagement and putting smiles on people’s faces,” Orr said. “These factors include having the ability to stand for long periods of time, having a flexible schedule, and the willingness to work nights and weekends.”
Orr further discussed how student engagement oversees the selection process while preserving the tradition of keeping Brother Jasper’s identity a secret.
“Very few people know who Brother Jasper is, and we make sure he/she gets in and out of costume out of sight from others,” Orr said. “Anyone can do it, you just have to have a personality that’s outgoing and filled with energy. Training is key. Providing the blueprint for the role is essential.”
Orr also discussed what he hopes to see from the next person to take on the role and what they can bring to the MU community.
“The most important piece to this is longevity,” Orr said. “Brother Jasper is family and we hate to see family leave. We understand how difficult it can be balancing school, family, and personal life, but we remain optimistic.”