2022 Free Agent Chase Benfield

Chase Benfield

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 1/1/2022

Who are you playing with in 2022, and who have you played with in the past?
2022 Free Agent – chaseyh_12@yahoo.com

2021- GSP/Tri-State Services and Denver Stars
Military- S2B

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Shortstop or Middle Man are my best positions.
Can play 2B and 3B. OF if in a bind. Just don’t play it enough regularly.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
There’s so many dudes out there that can play this game hard to pick the best. I enjoy watching Joel Sanchez, Ryan McClanahan, Bazat, and Melton play. Try to learn from those guys and take stuff they do well and put it into my game.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I got introduced to competitive softball through the military circuit and once I’ve seen how competitive it was I always want to play with and against the best.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There so many up and coming players out there it’s hard to just name one or a few. There are a lot of unknown guys playing military ball who can easily compete in the conference. Everyone’s just looking for that opportunity.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Everyone calls me Benny because of my last name.

What is your height and weight?
5’10 180

Where do you call home?
Montgomery/Prattville, Alabama
But I fly out of Atlanta usually

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hanging out with my family and just enjoying time off

What do you do for a living?
I’m in the Air Force

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High School Basketball and Baseball and College Baseball

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started just playing Intramural softball on base in North Dakota in 2017-2018. Got seen a little locally, started a local military team and started playing local E/D tournaments. Started playing Military ball. Started playing B in Colorado with Homebridge in 2019-2020. Then finally got a chance at the conference with GSP/Tri-State Services. We ended up folding half way through the year and I finished out the year with Denver Stars.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitching and defense is much better. Games are more intense no matter who you are playing.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No, I just play my game.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Don’t really have a career highlight. Highlights are always winning a tournament or placing. I enjoy making defensive plays. One moment that does stand out is walking off a great Competitive Edge team last year at the Kut4 Classic.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Not a single person but a couple guys on the military circuit. John Brock, Justing Miller, Maurice Mo Green and Kris Auger basically taught me the game of softball, the mind set, and approach.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Be your biggest fan. Don’t worry about what people say about you or think. If you want to play at a higher level put in the work and take opportunities and make the best of them.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
26 oz and normal grip

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Gym, BP, and fielding.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Baseball- Yankees
College Football- Florida Gators

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Way too many superstitions to name

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Military Band-Aid or Military Worlds

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Texas Star in Euless

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Chick Fil A