Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
a name to keep an eye on is Andrew Benintendi, a fleet-footed, left-handed centerfielder. the #7 overall pick in the most recent MLB Draft (by Boston, with their first pick), Benintendi just turned 21 after the completion of his sophomore season at the University of Arkansas. that season was one for the ages.
he led the Razorbacks in batting average (.376), runs (62), hits (85), home runs (20 ... he also led the nation in this category), RBIs (57), total bases (162), slugging percentage (.717), walks (50), on-base percentage (.488), and steals (he was successful on 24 of 28 attempts).
to provide a little more perspective on those offensive numbers, he also led the SEC in batting average, home runs, slugging percentage, on‐base percentage, and walks and was the only player in the country to rank in the top 25 in all five categories. he finished third in the nation in slugging percentage.
he was only the third player in the 81-year history of the SEC to lead the conference in both home runs and batting average. and he was the first Division I player in 7 years to amass 20 homers ands steal 20 bases in a season.
and he plays a MEAN centerfield, where his speed covers a LOT of ground.
he has explosive pop in his bat, despite being only 5-foot-10, 180 pounds. if he had a darker, year-round tan, the Caste speak "experts" would say he is the personification of a "quick twitch" athlete.
his performance was the biggest part of Arkansas' late-season run, qualifying them for the College World Series, and his achievements were not overlooked.
here is a list of his post-season accolades:
>>> Golden Spikes Award Winner
>>> Dick Howser Trophy Winner
>>> SEC Male Athlete of the Year
>>> Baseball America National Player of the Year
>>> Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year
>>> SEC Player of the Year (Coaches)
>>> All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
>>> Louisville Slugger All-America First Team
>>> ABCA/Rawlings All-America First Team
>>> NCBWA All-America First Team
>>> D1Baseball All-America First Team
>>> Baseball America All-America First Team
>>> Collegiate Baseball All-America First Team
>>> Stillwater Regional All-Tournament Team
a consensus First-Team All-American, Andrew had the most dynamic season in Razorbacks history, culminating with 4 Player of the Year awards and becoming the #7 overall pick. he is the first ever Arkansas to win SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year honors.
how "strange" that the best athlete in the SEC is just another blue collar, overachieving hustle player with a hard hat and lunch pail.
he's also started off his pro career in the Red Sox organization very well. in his first 3 games, he's had 5 hits and 1 home run while going 5 for 13 at the plate.
Benintendi is certainly a young talent to keep an eye on.
