Fr. Jerome Rupprecht, O.S.B., first became involved with Saint Vincent Baseball in 1913. 

Then known as "Smokey Joe" Rupprecht, he set virtually all pitching records during a three-year SVC career, compiling a 16-5 record and striking out 234 batters.  In 1915, he had perhaps his greatest season, winning 9 games, striking out 18 batters in a game (twice) and recording 124 strikeouts for the year.  Today, 90 years later, many of his pitching records still stand.

Following his stellar career, Rupprecht joined the Saint Vincent Archabbey. In 1918, Fr. Jerome returned to the team, this time as the head coach. 

Rupprecht spent three stints as coach of the Saint Vincent Bearcats.  When he finally retired in 1942, he had an overall record of 165-45-2. 

Fr. Jerome passed away in 1982 at the age of 86.  The following year, an annual award, the Fr. Jerome J. Rupprecht Award, was created in his honor, presented yearly to the most outstanding Bearcat on the diamond.  While the award receipients have all been talented players, none may ever have as much of an impact on Saint Vincent Baseball as "Smokey Joe."