Rock Cats Outfielder Joe Benson Named EL Player of the Week

Published on September 9, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The New Britain Rock Cats 22-year-old Outfielder, Joe Benson, was named the Eastern League Player of the Week for the period ending September 6, the final week of the 2010 Season.

The powerful right-handed hitter from Hinsdale, IL had a special week in which he batted .423 (11 for 26) with 1 Double, 4 Home Runs, 8 RBI, 9 Runs Scored, 6 Walks, 3 Stolen Bases and a .923 Slugging Percentage over seven games. Joe's exceptional production placed him among the League's leaders in multiple offensive categories last week and, in his final game of the year, he collected 3 Hits, including 2 Home Runs in the Rock Cats' 4-1 W over visiting Trenton. On the full season, his team-leading 23 HRs and 7 Triples placed him tied for 4th in both categories in the entire circuit.

The 6'2"/215-pound slugger was a 2nd Round pick of the Minnesota Twins out of Joliet Catholic Academy (IL) in 2006.

The slugging Outfielder impressed New Britain fans after appearing in a total of 102 games for the 2010 Rock Cats. In addition to leading the club in HRs (23) and Triples (7) in his first experience at the Double-A classification, he also collected 20 Doubles and 49 RBI. Performing at all three Outfield positions this year, Joe displayed outstanding defensive ability as his combination of foot speed and arm strength either kept opposing hitters off the bases or, once there, thinking twice about advancing more than one base when the ball was hit to him. That foot speed also helped him score 65 Runs and collect 14 Stolen Bases on the year. He finished 2010 with a .251 Batting Average to go along with a .527 Slugging Percentage and .862 OPS.

The Minnesota Twins have invited the talented Benson to participate in this year's Arizona Fall League, a clear signal that the organization has high expectations for Joe's continuing progress. As well they should.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from September 9, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central