LaSalle shortstop Joey Bennie agreed to answer some questions for the site recently. Bennie gained attention with his All-Star performance in the Valley League over the 2011 summer. On the season, he hit .331 with 6 home runs.
Matt Grabusky: At what age did you begin playing baseball?
Joey Bennie: 4 years old.
MG: When did you realize that a future in the sport was a real possibility?
JB: My sophomore year of high school, when I was starting to get recruited by division 1 colleges and universities.
MG: What aspects of your game do you feel are your strengths?
JB: Bat speed (hands), arm strength, speed, knowledge/instincts
MG: What parts of your game do you feel need the most work?
JB: Footwork in the field
MG: Is there a Major league player who you would compare your game with?
JB: Evan Longoria
MG: Who has had the most influence on your baseball career?
JB: My Dad, Joe Bennie Sr.
MG: What has been the highlight of your baseball career at this point?
JB: Winning of a Conference Championship my senior year of high school with my little brother Robert.
MG: What are your goals in baseball going forward?
JB: Long successful Major League career, World Series Championship(s)
MG: Who are the best players you have shared the field with?
JB: My brother Robert Bennie, who will be attending the University of Virginia next year to continue his baseball career. Brad Zebedis (Presbyterian College), Steve Nikorak (Temple), Marcus Stroman (Duke)
MG: If baseball ended tomorrow, you would?
JB: Obtain my masters degree in Finance, and go to law school to further my education and become a Lawyer
MG: What is something that baseball fans would be surprised to learn about you?
JB: I’m a very big Michael Jackson fan and I have every CD of his even when he was with the Jackson 5. I also used “Thriller” as one of my two walk-ups last season.
I would like to thank Joey for answering these questions for MLB Draft Guide and our readers.
