Bruce Benedict
Encyclopedia
Bruce Edwin Benedict is an American
former professional
baseball
player, coach
and scout. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball
as a catcher
for the Atlanta Braves
from to .
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
. He made his major league debut on August 18, 1978
, his 23rd birthday.
Benedict led National League
catchers in 1981
with 73 assists
and 48 baserunners caught stealing
. His defensive skills earned him a spot as a reserve on the National League All-Star
team.
In 1982
, Benedict led National League catchers with a .993 fielding percentage
, as the Braves won the National League Western Division
title. In his only post-season appearance, the Braves lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
in the 1982 National League Championship Series
.
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
. 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.
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. He continued to work as a back up catcher to Ozzie Virgil
from 1986
to 1988
and then to Jody Davis in 1989
. He retired after the season having spent his entire career with the Braves.
, accumulating 696 hits
in 2878 at bats for a .242 career batting average along with 18 home runs and 260 runs batted in. While he was a light-hitting
player, he had good defensive abilities, ending his career with a .990 fielding percentage. 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. 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. Benedict's nickname is "Eggs", as in Eggs Benedict
.
organization. He managed
in the Mets minor-league
system, then became an advance scout for the major-league team. He resigned his position in .
Benedict also serves as a college basketball
official in the NCAA's Division I. He is currently a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals
and, operates the Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
former professional
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
player, coach
Coach (baseball)
In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
and scout. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
as a catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
for the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
from to .
Major League career
Benedict attended collegeCollege
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
at the University of Nebraska at Omaha
University of Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a four-year state university located in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Founded in 1908 as Omaha University, the institution became the public Municipal University of Omaha in 1931. It assumed its current name in 1968 following a merger into the University...
and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the 1976 Major League Baseball Draft
1976 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1976 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The 1976 Arizona State University team, considered by many to be the best collegiate team ever, played a major role in the draft. Floyd Bannister was picked number one...
. He made his major league debut on August 18, 1978
1978 Atlanta Braves season
- Offseason :* December 8, 1977: Willie Montañez was traded by the Braves to the New York Mets as part of a four-team trade. Adrian Devine, Tommy Boggs, and Eddie Miller were traded by the Texas Rangers to the Braves. The Rangers sent Bert Blyleven to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Mets sent John...
, his 23rd birthday.
Benedict led National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
catchers in 1981
1981 Atlanta Braves season
- Offseason :* December 12, 1980: Doyle Alexander was traded by the Braves to the San Francisco Giants for John Montefusco and Craig Landis .* January 12, 1981: Gaylord Perry was signed as a free agent by the Braves.- Roster :- Starters by position :...
with 73 assists
Assist (baseball)
In baseball, an assist is a defensive statistic, baseball being one of the few sports in which the defensive team controls the ball. An assist is awarded to every defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to the recording of a putout, even if the contact was unintentional...
and 48 baserunners caught stealing
Caught stealing
In baseball, a runner is charged, and the fielders involved are credited, with a time caught stealing when the runner attempts to advance or lead off from one base to another without the ball being batted and then is tagged out by a fielder while making the attempt...
. His defensive skills earned him a spot as a reserve on the National League All-Star
1981 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1981 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 52nd playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on August 9, 1981, at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, the home of...
team.
In 1982
1982 Atlanta Braves season
- Offseason :* October 5, 1981: Gaylord Perry was released by the Braves.* March 23, 1982: Brian Asselstine was released by the Braves.During the offseason, the Braves acquired manager Joe Torre from the New York Mets in hopes of bringing the Braves their first postseason appearance since 1969.-...
, Benedict led National League catchers with a .993 fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
, as the Braves won the National League Western Division
National League West
The National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
title. In his only post-season appearance, the Braves lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
1982 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 1982 season was the team's 101st season in St. Louis, Missouri and the 91st season in the National League. Making up for the previous year's near-miss, the Cardinals went 92-70 during the season and won their first-ever National League East Division title by three games...
in the 1982 National League Championship Series
1982 National League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series was played between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves from October 6 to October 10.-Background:...
.
In 1983
1983 Atlanta Braves season
- Regular season :The 1983 season was one of hope for the Braves of Atlanta. The previous season they had won 89 games and advanced to the playoffs before succumbing to the St. Louis Cardinals in three consecutive games. This was a season to prove that the 1982 National League West Division...
, 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
1983 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1983 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 54th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 6, 1983, at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois, the home of the...
. He ended the season with a career-high batting average of .298 with two home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s, 43 runs batted in and a .992 fielding percentage, second only to Gary Carter
Gary Carter
Gary Edmund Carter , nicknamed "Kid" and "Kid Carter", is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. During a 19-year baseball career, mostly with the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, Carter established himself as one of the premier catchers in the National League, winning three Gold...
among National League catchers.
Benedict's batting average fell to .223 with only 25 RBIs in 1984
1984 Atlanta Braves season
The 1984 season was the 114th season for the Atlanta Braves.-Offseason:* October 4, 1983: Tommy Boggs was released by the Braves.* October 21, 1983: Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby were sent by the Braves to the Cleveland Indians to complete an earlier deal made on August 28, 1983.-Regular...
and, he was replaced by Rick Cerone
Rick Cerone
Richard Aldo Cerone from Seton Hall University is a former Major League Baseball player from 1975 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos...
in 1985
1985 Atlanta Braves season
The Atlanta Braves season was the 115th season in franchise history. The Braves failed to qualify for the postseason for the third consecutive season.-Offseason:...
, as the Braves sought more offense from the catcher's position. He continued to work as a back up catcher to Ozzie Virgil
Ozzie Virgil, Jr.
Osvaldo José Virgil, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Toronto Blue Jays from 1980 to 1990. He was elected to the National League All-Star team twice in 1985 and 1987...
from 1986
1986 Atlanta Braves season
The 1986 season was the 116th in franchise history and their 21st in Atlanta.-Offseason:* November 13, 1985: Randy Johnson was released by the Braves.* December 6, 1985: Miguel Sosa was traded by the Braves to the New York Yankees for Billy Sample....
to 1988
1988 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:* November 13, 1987: Ken Griffey, Sr. was signed as a free agent by the Braves.* December 6, 1987: Graig Nettles was signed as a free agent by the Braves.* March 24, 1988: Graig Nettles was purchased from the Braves by the Montreal Expos....
and then to Jody Davis in 1989
1989 Atlanta Braves season
-Opening Day starters:*Gerónimo Berroa*Jeff Blauser*Jody Davis*Ron Gant*Tom Glavine*Dale Murphy*Gerald Perry*Lonnie Smith*Andrés Thomas-Notable transactions:...
. He retired after the season having spent his entire career with the Braves.
Career statistics
In a 12 year career, Benedict played in 982 gamesGames played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
, accumulating 696 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in 2878 at bats for a .242 career batting average along with 18 home runs and 260 runs batted in. While he was a light-hitting
Batting (baseball)
In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team. A batter or hitter is a person whose turn it is to face the pitcher...
player, he had good defensive abilities, ending his career with a .990 fielding percentage. A two-time All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, Benedict's value to the Braves was as a defensive catcher; his development enabled the Braves to find another position for Dale Murphy
Dale Murphy
Dale Bryan Murphy is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. During an 18-year baseball career, 1976–1993, he played for three different teams, but is noted for his time with the Atlanta Braves...
, 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. 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. Benedict's nickname is "Eggs", as in Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a dish that consists of two halves of an English muffin, topped with ham or bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce.-Origin:There are conflicting accounts as to the origin of Eggs Benedict, including:...
.
Coaching and scouting career
Since retiring as a player, Benedict has served several positions in the New York MetsNew York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
organization. He managed
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
in the Mets minor-league
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
system, then became an advance scout for the major-league team. He resigned his position in .
Benedict also serves as a college basketball
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
official in the NCAA's Division I. He is currently a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
and, operates the Bruce Benedict Baseball Academy.