Prep Baseball Report

2013 Outfielder Andrew Benintendi Emerges as National Prospect



Year after year, Southwest Ohio continues to produce some of the most highly sought after prospects in the nation.

Andrew Benintendi, a class of 2013 left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder from Maderia, finds himself next in the spotlight.

In June, Benintendi helped lead his team to the Division III State Championship game at Huntington Park. Looking back, Benintendi recalls, “It was a real thrill for our team, parents, and community … Despite losing the title game, we hope to get back to Columbus in the next two years.”

Despite losing the title game, Benintendi put together an impressive spring season. He led the Cincinnati Hills League in batting average (.526), hits (41), runs (34), double (13), and stolen bases (32). In addition, he had two triples and a homerun.

Even more impressive, he led the greater Cincinnati area in hits for the second straight year (58 hits his freshman year).
 

When he wasn’t hitting or roaming the outfield, the young star was equally impressive on the mound. He went 8-1 with a 1.60 era.

Because of his success, Benintendi received recognition as first team all-league, first team-city, and second team all state.

While those awards are special, the true recognition for Benintendi is coming through the recruiting process.

After staring in the lead off spot and playing centerfield for the 18U Midland Redskins (2011 Connie Mack World Series Champions), Benintendi is hearing from local and national college programs.

He notes, “I have already received an offer from Georgia Tech.”

In addition, he is being recruited by: North Carolina, Maryland, Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia, Georgia, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, St. Johns, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Ohio University.

When discussing his immediate goals, Benintendi says, “I am playing for the Midland/Kansas City Royals Scout team this fall. I plan on playing in the WWBA World Championship in Fort Myers and the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter.”