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Joe Benson

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Joe Benson
Benson in 2011
Outfielder
Born: (1988-03-05) March 5, 1988 (age 36)
Hinsdale, Illinois, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 4, 2011, for the Minnesota Twins
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2011, for the Minnesota Twins
MLB statistics
Batting average.239
Home runs0
Runs batted in2
Teams

William Joseph Benson (born March 5, 1988) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins during the 2011 season.

College career

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Benson attended Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet, Illinois. Benson played baseball and American football at Joliet, and was recruited to play college football for the Purdue Boilermakers football team as a running back.

Professional career

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Minnesota Twins

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The Minnesota Twins selected Benson in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft. Benson signed with the Twins rather than attend Purdue.[1]

Benson participated in spring training for the Twins in 2011, but did not make the opening day roster and was subsequently assigned to the AA affiliate of the Twins, the New Britain Rock Cats, where he was given the starting job in center field. On September 6, 2011, Benson made his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins. He went without a hit a three at-bats, drawing a walk and striking out once.[2] Benson's first major league hit was a single off of Detroit Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer on September 10, 2011.[3][4]

In 2013, Benson competed with Aaron Hicks for the starting centerfield position with the Twins. Hicks won the job, and Benson went to the Rochester Red Wings of the Class AAA International League. In May 2013, the Twins put Benson on outright waivers to clear a roster spot for P. J. Walters.

Texas Rangers

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On May 25, 2013, Benson was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers.[1] On September 1, 2013, Benson was designated for assignment and he was outrighted on September 3. On November 4, 2013, Benson elected free agency.[5]

Miami Marlins

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On December 20, 2013, Benson signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[6][7] He spent most of the season with Double–A Jacksonville Suns.[8]

Atlanta Braves

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On January 7, 2015, Benson signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[9] He was released on June 19.

Sugar Land Skeeters

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On June 22, 2015, Benson signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 5 games he went 4-20 (.200) with 1 RBI and 1 stolen base.

New York Mets

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On July 11, 2015, Benson signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets.[10] He elected free agency on November 6, 2015.[11]

Return to Minnesota

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On November 30, 2015 Benson signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins. He was released on March 30, 2016.

Sugar Land Skeeters (second stint)

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On April 17, 2017, Benson signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season. In 117 games he hit .254/.308/.371 with 8 home runs, 40 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

Chicago Dogs

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On May 8, 2018, Benson signed with the Chicago Dogs of the American Association. He was released on April 30, 2019. In 73 games he hit .300/.375/.498 with 9 home runs, 38 RBIs and 9 stolen bases.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

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On June 4, 2019, Benson signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season. In 96 games he struggled hitting .219/.283/.316 with 4 home runs, 28 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.

References

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  1. ^ a b "New Rangers OF Joe Benson a former football star with impressive tools | Texas Rangers Blog". Rangersblog.dallasnews.com. May 28, 2013. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  2. ^ "MLB.com Gameday | twinsbaseball.com: Gameday". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  3. ^ "MLB.com Gameday | twinsbaseball.com: Gameday". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  4. ^ "Chris Parmelee, Joe Benson showcasing their skills with Twins | twinsbaseball.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  5. ^ "Joe Benson Stats, Fantasy & News | MLB.com".
  6. ^ "Marlins sign Slowey to minor league deal". Fox News. January 9, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  7. ^ "Marlins announce 2014 Spring Training invitees". MLB.com. January 9, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2015.[dead link]
  8. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 1, 2015). "Benson seizing opportunity to claim Braves bench spot". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  9. ^ Eddy, Matt (January 11, 2015). "Minor League Transactions: Dec. 24-Jan. 8". Baseball America. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  10. ^ "Minor MLB Transactions: 7/11/15 - MLB Trade Rumors".
  11. ^ "Eastern League Transactions". milb.com. p. November 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
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