FL River City Rascals

Oakland A's Sign Rascals Closer Mike Benacka

Published on July 22, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


O'Fallon, MO - The incredible run for River City Rascals closer Mike Benacka has finally come to an end in O'Fallon.

Benacka was signed by the Oakland Athletics Tuesday and will report to join the Stockton Ports (Adv. A).

He leaves as the Rascals all-time career saves leader with 33. He saved 20, giving him the single season franchise record, 2007 and had 13 this season.

For the 6'2 right-hander it was just a matter of time, his numbers were staggering. In 26.0 innings, Benacka tallied 51 strikeouts and allowed only one run. Opponents hit just .127 against him and he struck out exactly 50 percent of the batters he faced.

"In my many years of professional baseball, I have not seen a pitcher dominate a league like Benacka has," Rascals Manager Toby Rumfield said. "We knew [the signing] was coming soon. There was a lot of interest in him at the all-star game."

Benacka represented the Rascals and the Frontier League West at Traverse City in the Frontier League All-Star game and struck out four batters in 1.2 innings.

"I wish him all the best," Rumfield continued. "He definitely has earned everything he's gotten this season."

The former Lindenwood University product and Algonquin, Illinois native will try to follow in the footsteps of three other former Rascals. Josh Kinney of the St. Louis Cardinals, Joe Thatcher of the San Diego Padres and Justin Christian of the New York Yankees have all made their Major League debuts in the past three years.

The River City Rascals are members of the Independent Frontier League. Contact Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Josh Anderson at 636-240-2287 ex. 237 with any questions.

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Frontier League Stories from July 22, 2008


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