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{{short description|American baseball player}}
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1955)}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Bruce Benedict
|name=Bruce Benedict
|image=Bruce Benedict Atlanta Braves.jpg
|image=Bruce Benedict Atlanta Braves.jpg
|caption=Benedict in 1984
|position=[[Catcher]]
|position=[[Catcher]]
|bats=Right
|bats=Right
|throws=Right
|throws=Right
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1955|8|18}}
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1955|8|18}}
|birth_place=[[Birmingham, Alabama]]
|birth_place=[[Birmingham, Alabama]], U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=August 18
|debutdate=August 18
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==Major League career==
==Major League career==


Benedict attended [[Millard High School, now Millard South High School]] then went on to [[college]] at the [[University of Nebraska at Omaha]] and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the [[1976 Major League Baseball Draft]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/draft/1976/June-Reg/5.shtml |title=1976 Major League Baseball Draft |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> He made his major league debut on August 18, [[1978 Atlanta Braves season|1978]], his 23rd birthday.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/>
Benedict attended [[Millard Public Schools|Millard High School]], now [[Millard South High School]], then went on to [[college]] at the [[University of Nebraska at Omaha]] and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the [[1976 Major League Baseball Draft]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/draft/1976/June-Reg/5.shtml |title=1976 Major League Baseball Draft |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> He made his major league debut on August 18, [[1978 Atlanta Braves season|1978]], his 23rd birthday.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/>


Benedict led [[National League]] catchers in [[1981 Atlanta Braves season|1981]] with 73 [[Assist (baseball)|assists]] and 48 baserunners [[caught stealing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1981-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1981 National League Fielding Leaders |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> His defensive skills earned him a spot as a reserve on the {{By|1981}} [[1981 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|National League All-Star]] team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ALS/ALS198108090.shtml |title=1981 All-Star Game |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref>
Benedict led [[National League (baseball)|National League]] catchers in [[1981 Atlanta Braves season|1981]] with 73 [[Assist (baseball)|assists]] and 48 baserunners [[caught stealing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1981-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1981 National League Fielding Leaders |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> His defensive skills earned him a spot as a reserve on the {{By|1981}} [[1981 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|National League All-Star]] team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ALS/ALS198108090.shtml |title=1981 All-Star Game |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref>


In [[1982 Atlanta Braves season|1982]], Benedict led National League catchers with a .993 [[fielding percentage]], as the Braves won the [[National League West|National League Western Division]] title.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1982-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1982 National League Fielding Leaders |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1982-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1982 National League Team Statistics and Standings |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> The highlight of Benedict's season came in a regular season game when he set an MLB record by throwing out 3 baserunners in one inning.{www.espn.com/mlb/s/2002/0430/1376273.html} In the only post-season appearance of his career, the Braves lost to the [[1982 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals]] in the [[1982 National League Championship Series]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1982_NLCS.shtml |title=1982 National League Championship Series |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref>
In [[1982 Atlanta Braves season|1982]], Benedict led National League catchers with a .993 [[fielding percentage]], as the Braves won the [[National League West|National League Western Division]] title.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1982-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1982 National League Fielding Leaders |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1982-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1982 National League Team Statistics and Standings |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> The highlight of Benedict's season came in a regular season game when he set an MLB record by throwing out 3 baserunners in one inning. In the only post-season appearance of his career, the Braves lost to the [[1982 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals]] in the [[1982 National League Championship Series]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1982_NLCS.shtml |title=1982 National League Championship Series |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref>


In [[1983 Atlanta Braves season|1983]], Benedict had a batting average well over .300 in the middle of June, to earn a place as a reserve player for the National League in the [[1983 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1983 All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?n1=benedbr01&t=b&year=1983 |title=1983 Bruce Benedict Batting Log |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=23 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ALS/ALS198307060.shtml |title=1983 All-Star Game |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> He ended the season with a career-high batting average of .298 with two [[home run]]s, 43 [[runs batted in]] and a .992 fielding percentage, second only to [[Gary Carter]] among National League catchers.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1983-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1983 National League Fielding Leaders |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref>
In [[1983 Atlanta Braves season|1983]], Benedict had a batting average well over .300 in the middle of June, to earn a place as a reserve player for the National League in the [[1983 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1983 All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?n1=benedbr01&t=b&year=1983 |title=1983 Bruce Benedict Batting Log |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=23 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ALS/ALS198307060.shtml |title=1983 All-Star Game |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> He ended the season with a career-high batting average of .298 with two [[home run]]s, 43 [[runs batted in]] and a .992 fielding percentage, second only to [[Gary Carter]] among National League catchers.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1983-fielding-leaders.shtml |title=1983 National League Fielding Leaders |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref>
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In a twelve-year major league career, Benedict played in 982 [[Games played|games]], accumulating 696 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] in 2,878 [[at bats]] for a .242 career batting average along with 18 home runs and 260 [[runs batted in]].<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/> While he was a light-[[Batting (baseball)|hitting]] player, he had good defensive abilities, ending his career with a .990 fielding percentage.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/> A two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], Benedict's value to the Braves was as a defensive catcher; his development enabled the Braves to find another position for [[Dale Murphy]], who would have his greatest seasons as an outfielder and, subsequently, the Braves became National League contenders. He never played a position other than catcher during his entire major league career.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/> The [[Fulton County Stadium]] crowd would commonly chant "BRUUUCE" whenever Benedict came up to bat at home, perhaps giving the impression that he was being booed.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} Benedict's nickname is "Eggs", as in [[Eggs Benedict]].
In a twelve-year major league career, Benedict played in 982 [[Games played|games]], accumulating 696 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] in 2,878 [[at bats]] for a .242 career batting average along with 18 home runs and 260 [[runs batted in]].<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/> While he was a light-[[Batting (baseball)|hitting]] player, he had good defensive abilities, ending his career with a .990 fielding percentage.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/> A two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], Benedict's value to the Braves was as a defensive catcher; his development enabled the Braves to find another position for [[Dale Murphy]], who would have his greatest seasons as an outfielder and, subsequently, the Braves became National League contenders. He never played a position other than catcher during his entire major league career.<ref name="Bruce Benedict at Baseball Reference"/> The [[Fulton County Stadium]] crowd would commonly chant "BRUUUCE" whenever Benedict came up to bat at home, perhaps giving the impression that he was being booed.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} Benedict's nickname is "Eggs", as in [[Eggs Benedict]].


==Coaching and scouting career, personal life==
==Coaching and scouting career==


Since retiring as a player, Benedict has served several positions in the [[New York Mets]] organization. He [[Manager (baseball)|managed]] in the Mets [[Minor league baseball|minor-league]] system, then became an [[scout (sports)|advance scout]] for the major-league team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=benedi001bru#standard_managing |title=Bruce Benedict Minor league manager record |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> He resigned his position in {{By|2006}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060416&content_id=1403199&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym|title=Mets Notes|author=Noble, Marty|date=2006-04-16|accessdate=2008-10-21|work=mlb.com}}</ref> He then scouted for the [[St. Louis Cardinals]].
Since retiring as a player, Benedict has served several positions in the [[New York Mets]] organization. He [[Manager (baseball)|managed]] in the Mets [[Minor league baseball|minor-league]] system, then became an [[scout (sports)|advance scout]] for the major-league team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=benedi001bru#standard_managing |title=Bruce Benedict Minor league manager record |publisher=Baseball Reference |accessdate=18 October 2010 }}</ref> He resigned his position in {{By|2006}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060416&content_id=1403199&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym|title=Mets Notes|author=Noble, Marty|date=2006-04-16|accessdate=2008-10-21|work=mlb.com}}</ref> He then scouted for the [[St. Louis Cardinals]].
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Benedict also serves as a [[college basketball]] official in the [[NCAA]]'s [[NCAA Division I|Division I]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE6DE153BF934A35751C0A96F958260|title=Mets Coach Moonlights By Changing His Stripes|author=Diamos, Jason|date=1999-02-07|accessdate=2008-10-21|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and [[NCAA Division II|Division II]]. He is currently an [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta-based]] scout for the [[Chicago White Sox]] and operates the Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brucebenedictbaseball.com/ |title=The Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy |publisher=Mainebytes.net |accessdate=18 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208061126/http://brucebenedictbaseball.com/# |archive-date=2011-02-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Benedict also serves as a [[college basketball]] official in the [[NCAA]]'s [[NCAA Division I|Division I]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE6DE153BF934A35751C0A96F958260|title=Mets Coach Moonlights By Changing His Stripes|author=Diamos, Jason|date=1999-02-07|accessdate=2008-10-21|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and [[NCAA Division II|Division II]]. He is currently an [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta-based]] scout for the [[Chicago White Sox]] and operates the Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brucebenedictbaseball.com/ |title=The Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy |publisher=Mainebytes.net |accessdate=18 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208061126/http://brucebenedictbaseball.com/# |archive-date=2011-02-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Personal life==
His son, Griffin, played baseball at [[Georgia Southern University]]. After being drafted in 2009 and playing in the minor leagues for the [[San Diego Padres]] for two seasons, he accepted a role as the bullpen catcher for the major league team in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/article/18496306/}}</ref>
His son, Griffin, played collegiate baseball for the [[Georgia Southern Eagles baseball|Georgia Southern Eagles]] and was drafted in 2009. He played in the minor leagues for the [[San Diego Padres]] for two seasons. He then accepted a role as the bullpen catcher for the major league team in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/article/18496306/ |title=Benedict proving valuable in bullpen role |publisher=padres.mlb.com |accessdate=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215030515/m.padres.mlb.com/news/article/18496306/ |archive-date=2015-02-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

www.espn.com/mlb/s/2002/0430/1376273.html


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Alabama]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Birmingham, Alabama]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox scouts]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox scouts]]
[[Category:Greenwood Braves players]]
[[Category:Greenwood Braves players]]
[[Category:Kingsport Braves players]]
[[Category:Kingsport Braves players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball catchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball catchers]]
[[Category:Minor league baseball managers]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Omaha Mavericks baseball players]]
[[Category:Omaha Mavericks baseball players]]
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[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals scouts]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals scouts]]
[[Category:Savannah Braves players]]
[[Category:Savannah Braves players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Birmingham, Alabama]]
[[Category:Baseball coaches from Alabama]]
[[Category:Baseball coaches from Alabama]]

Latest revision as of 23:11, 18 August 2023

Bruce Benedict
Benedict in 1984
Catcher
Born: (1955-08-18) August 18, 1955 (age 68)
Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 18, 1978, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
September 11, 1989, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
Batting average.242
Home runs18
Runs batted in260
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Bruce Edwin Benedict (born August 18, 1955) is an American former professional baseball player, coach and scout.[1] He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1989.[1]

Major League career[edit]

Benedict attended Millard High School, now Millard South High School, then went on to college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the 1976 Major League Baseball Draft.[2] He made his major league debut on August 18, 1978, his 23rd birthday.[1]

Benedict led National League catchers in 1981 with 73 assists and 48 baserunners caught stealing.[3] His defensive skills earned him a spot as a reserve on the 1981 National League All-Star team.[4]

In 1982, Benedict led National League catchers with a .993 fielding percentage, as the Braves won the National League Western Division title.[5][6] The highlight of Benedict's season came in a regular season game when he set an MLB record by throwing out 3 baserunners in one inning. In the only post-season appearance of his career, the Braves lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1982 National League Championship Series.[7]

In 1983, Benedict had a batting average well over .300 in the middle of June, to earn a place as a reserve player for the National League in the 1983 All-Star Game.[8][9] He ended the season with a career-high batting average of .298 with two home runs, 43 runs batted in and a .992 fielding percentage, second only to Gary Carter among National League catchers.[1][10]

Benedict's batting average fell to .223 with only 25 RBIs in 1984 and he was replaced by Rick Cerone in 1985, as the Braves sought more offense from the catcher's position.[1] He continued to work as a backup catcher to Ozzie Virgil from 1986 to 1988 and then to Jody Davis in 1989.[1] He retired after the 1989 season having spent his entire career with the Braves.[1]

Career statistics[edit]

In a twelve-year major league career, Benedict played in 982 games, accumulating 696 hits in 2,878 at bats for a .242 career batting average along with 18 home runs and 260 runs batted in.[1] While he was a light-hitting player, he had good defensive abilities, ending his career with a .990 fielding percentage.[1] A two-time All-Star, Benedict's value to the Braves was as a defensive catcher; his development enabled the Braves to find another position for Dale Murphy, who would have his greatest seasons as an outfielder and, subsequently, the Braves became National League contenders. He never played a position other than catcher during his entire major league career.[1] The Fulton County Stadium crowd would commonly chant "BRUUUCE" whenever Benedict came up to bat at home, perhaps giving the impression that he was being booed.[citation needed] Benedict's nickname is "Eggs", as in Eggs Benedict.

Coaching and scouting career[edit]

Since retiring as a player, Benedict has served several positions in the New York Mets organization. He managed in the Mets minor-league system, then became an advance scout for the major-league team.[11] He resigned his position in 2006.[12] He then scouted for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Benedict also serves as a college basketball official in the NCAA's Division I[13] and Division II. He is currently an Atlanta-based scout for the Chicago White Sox and operates the Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy.[14]

Personal life[edit]

His son, Griffin, played collegiate baseball for the Georgia Southern Eagles and was drafted in 2009. He played in the minor leagues for the San Diego Padres for two seasons. He then accepted a role as the bullpen catcher for the major league team in 2011.[15]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Bruce Benedict". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  2. ^ "1976 Major League Baseball Draft". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  3. ^ "1981 National League Fielding Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  4. ^ "1981 All-Star Game". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  5. ^ "1982 National League Fielding Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  6. ^ "1982 National League Team Statistics and Standings". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  7. ^ "1982 National League Championship Series". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  8. ^ "1983 Bruce Benedict Batting Log". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 23 October 2010.
  9. ^ "1983 All-Star Game". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  10. ^ "1983 National League Fielding Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  11. ^ "Bruce Benedict Minor league manager record". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  12. ^ Noble, Marty (2006-04-16). "Mets Notes". mlb.com. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  13. ^ Diamos, Jason (1999-02-07). "Mets Coach Moonlights By Changing His Stripes". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  14. ^ "The Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy". Mainebytes.net. Archived from the original on 2011-02-08. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  15. ^ "Benedict proving valuable in bullpen role". padres.mlb.com. Archived from the original on 2015-02-15. Retrieved 30 March 2023.

External links[edit]

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