Sports dominated Ben's younger years, but his passion for the guitar began around the age of 14 when a new guitar and lessons
became a part of his life. When his youth group needed a singer and guitar player, Ben filled that role and continued to perform
throughout his high school years. Once he enrolled at McNeese State University, music took a backseat to classes and college
baseball. However, Ben and a few college buddies soon formed a band, with Ben playing guitar and adding in vocals now and then.
Following weekend baseball games, he would rush to meet his band members to perform gigs. Ben loved entertaining friends,
teammates and the locals, and the fifty bucks he earned each gig was an added bonus for the typical poor college student.
After the draft, Ben's performances came to a halt except for occasional entertainment of friends and teammates. However, the
quiet time in hotel rooms while on the road allowed Ben to pursue another element of music - songwriting. Ben's earlier musical
days had brought forth numerous ideas and melodies for songs, but he never had the opportunity to put them together. All the songs from both of his
CD’s were written in his spare time while traveling, and inspired by everyday life
and relationships. As an added bonus, Ben is a talented "beat-boxer". Ben acquired this ability in the 3rd grade,
while attempting to break into the free styling circle of his new classmates.
This talent can be heard on the song "Deep" from his debut CD and on Coco Crisp’s song from the
"Oh Say Can You Sing?" album.
Personal
Ben resides near Austin, TX. He and his wife Brenda have been married for
twelve years and have two daughters. Ben left major league baseball in 2009 and now
devotes full time to music, his family and charity. A portion of the proceeds from the
sale of Ben’s CD’s goes to his favorite charities.
Baseball
Ben played college baseball at McNeese State University where he set single-season and
career school records for runs, hits, home runs and RBI’s. Ben was drafted in 1999 by
the Cincinnati Reds. He played in the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians,
Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. He is in the Baseball Hall of Fame (tied with another
player from 1918) for the most pinch-hit grand slam homeruns.
A portion of all proceeds from the sale of the CD goes to Ben's favorite charities, which Ben started in the summer
of 2005. He has always been very active in the community, and money from the foundation will go to numerous charities with the
main focus of helping youth.
