Ben has augmented his music and baseball careers with an enduring passion for service. Ben and his family lived and volunteered in various places in Latin America, where they worked to make a difference in the lives of local Indigenous groups. His family worked with the Guayami Indigenous people of Costa Rica leading eye clinics and construction projects. Most recently, Ben and his family lived and served in Guatemala where he was the Leadership Development Coordinator between Guatemalan and U.S. staff. He later became the director whose focus was hiring key staff for future growth while building a healthy, sustainable culture.
Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1999
Ben was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1999 and made his Major League debut on June 22, 2002 with the Cleveland Indians. Later, Ben played with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, and holds the MLB record for most pinch-hit grand slams in a single season. The bat he used to hit the grand slam is on display in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. In his last year as a player in 2013 with the Kansas City Royals 3A affiliate, Ben had the opportunity to mentor younger players and eventually win the Championship. Key relationships were made and doors opened for him to work in player development as the Leadership Development Coordinator and Hitting Coordinator with the Chicago White Sox following his retirement.
Piloting His Course in Life
Ben flies a Cessna 182 King Katmai, often to music gigs throughout Texas. He is an instrument rated single engine pilot. Ben relishes the feeling of flight and the ability to get up and go when and where he chooses.
Writing His Own Soundtrack Through Life
Drawn to music from an early age, Ben has consistently incorporated creating and playing music into his life no matter what else he was pursuing. While actively playing baseball, Ben frequently played for teammates or met up with fellow musicians and musician athletes for private jam sessions. Currently, he plays original songs with his band throughout Texas. Ben has 2 albums and recently wrapped up some time in the studio recording 8 new songs for his next album.
Bringing Life Into Focus
Ben says being a father to his daughters and spending time in other cultures brings the God-colors around him into focus. He's a committed parent and a man of faith who tries to lead in love. Ben says his girls' child-like faith has touched him and influenced how he sees God in his life, shaping his understanding of true happiness. Ben says, "I’ve met many people in other cultures who are materially poor, yet relationally rich and happy. Spiritual growth is a life long process and anyone can jump in on the adventure." That explains how Ben sees life...as an adventure.
Ben’s friends and family jokingly honor him with the “most interesting man” award. Ben is a unique individual with diverse interests and a plethora of experiences and interesting stories to tell about them. Often moved to action by his varied passions and interests, he has “Ben” and has done many things but always follows his heart.
Baseball Player
Ben was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1999. He went on to play for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers in the Major Leagues. He later worked in player development as a Leadership Development Coordinator and Hitting Coordinator with the Chicago White Sox.
Ben currently holds the MLB record for hitting the most pinch-hit grand slams in a single season.
As a player, Ben always sought to improve his game. He frequently sought out the counsel of talented players, taking advantage of his position at first base to seek advice and tips from the best players in the game. His growth mindset and research helped him solidify himself and develop his mantra on the mentality it takes to be great.
Public Speaker
Ben shares about the core principles of 'Being the Wolf' and how it translates with diverse audiences and groups of any size, including athletes, volunteers, and other organizations with the goal of motivating them to reach higher level thinking in everything they do.
Pilot
Ben relishes the freedom of flight, and the power to control his destination. In the air, he is regularly reminded of how beautiful and expansive our country is and how small we truly are in comparison. Flying has also become a great way to easily visit smaller venues throughout Texas.
Man of Faith
Ben is committed to service as an expression of his deep faith. He lived and served in Costa Rica for many years, working closely with the Indigenous Guaymi group. He has assisted Burmese refugees in the Austin area, operating medical programs for children. Most recently, Ben lived in Guatemala, working as a leader for a nonprofit while his family focused on building a healthy, sustainable culture in remote, marginalized villages in the country. He has traveled as far as the Mantawai islands off the coast of Indonesia, discovering new place by boat while battling reef breaks.
Surfer
Surfing is close to Ben’s heart. He lived in Costa Rica for an extended period and surfed daily. Surfing alone one day, Ben fought a rogue wave with big swells rolling through. Losing his surf board and having to swim back against strong currents, Ben came close to drowning alone. He learned a lesson that day with some good song writing material of just how small he is in this big world.
He battled the reef around the Mantawai Islands in Indonesia while surfing there as well. Despite his close calls, he still has a love for the sport, but he now prefers to surf with friends!
Singer/Songwriter
Music is Ben’s constant theme, including writing and performing covers and his own original work, and jamming with well-known artists and other musical baseball players.
One of his favorite performances was singing “God Bless America” in front of a sold-out crowd at a San Francisco Giants baseball game. His music and career overlapped to the point of Ben hitting a game-winning home run to end the extra innings in order for him to make his concert that night at the House of Blues in downtown Cleveland.
BOOKING
Need to inspire a Team? Or Entertain a crowd?
Ben shares his authentic passion with athletes, audiences, and those seeking purpose. Contact Ben to share music or motivation with your group.
