Oklahoma State University Athletics
Carson Benge
Following Family: Carson Benge’s Journey to Two-Way Success
February 06, 2024 | Cowboy Baseball
By Jack Jones, OSU Athletics Communications
Seven years ago, a young kid from Yukon, Oklahoma, was watching his brother perform at the highest stage for Oklahoma State.
Now, Carson Benge is coming off an incredible freshman year as a two-way player for the Cowboys during which he led the club in batting average and on-base percentage.
As a redshirt freshman, Benge collected a variety of accolades as both a pitcher and an outfielder. He was named to several Freshman All-America teams and collected All-Big 12 First Team honors after hitting .345 with seven home runs, 43 RBIs and 17 doubles while also picking up a pair of wins in 10 starts on the mound.
With the 2024 season fast approaching, Benge is continuing to gain recognition as he was named to a pair of Preseason All-America teams as a utility player and was selected for the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.
"It's very cool being recognized and getting all these honors, but I try not to think about awards," Benge said. "I'm trying to stay with what I'm working on that day, not getting ahead of myself, worrying about my team and what needs to be done."
The expectations for Benge are high. Many eyes will be watching him throughout the Big 12 this season, and he is considered one of college baseball's top professional prospects and a potential first-round pick in July's Major League Baseball Draft.
"Carson is wired to handle things well," said OSU head coach Josh Holliday. "Some guys worry about what others say, but Carson is not that type."
The success as a freshman allowed Benge to step into a leadership role early, and his confidence on and off the field helped bring the Cowboys together as a unit.
Benge expressed his love for his teammates and the chemistry this team has for the new year, and it's easy to see his clear passion for the game, which rubs off on his fellow teammates.
"I'm a very fun and easy-going guy," Benge said. "When it comes down to it, I will get on people more often to really lock it in to get the job done. It's easy here though, we have a great group of guys."
While he has made a name for himself, the name Benge has been a part of OSU Baseball for several years.
Carson's older brother, Garrett, played two seasons for the Cowboys and was a star for OSU's 2016 College World Series team before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2017.
Garrett envisioned success for his younger brother from an early age, while making sure others knew as well.
Holliday recalls that during his recruitment of Garrett, the older brother made a prophetic statement.
"I asked who's that little rascal that's running around, and it was Carson. I remember Garrett telling me that (Carson) was going to be better than him, he's going to be the best," Holliday said.
Carson grew up around OSU baseball, making Stillwater the destination spot when his high school career began to flourish.
"It was in the back of my mind when I came here," Benge said. "Watching Garrett, being around all the games, seeing how cool the place was, meeting the coaches and the brand new O'Brate Stadium at the time was all I needed."
Managing a talented two-way player can create many possibilities, but also challenges for a lineup.
"With a guy like him, we are trying to figure out how our team needs him in the lineup," Holliday said. "We'll put him where we can most consistently win. Whether as a starter, reliever, outfielder, how we use him and many different things."
Benge has succeeded at both positions so far in his career, but every player has their preference.
"Definitely enjoy hitting more," Benge said. "I love putting up runs, but when I'm pitching the games are always tight, there's too much that comes with being on the mound."
Anywhere you put him, the results speak for themselves for the Cowboys' breakout two-way player Carson Benge.
Seven years ago, a young kid from Yukon, Oklahoma, was watching his brother perform at the highest stage for Oklahoma State.
Now, Carson Benge is coming off an incredible freshman year as a two-way player for the Cowboys during which he led the club in batting average and on-base percentage.
As a redshirt freshman, Benge collected a variety of accolades as both a pitcher and an outfielder. He was named to several Freshman All-America teams and collected All-Big 12 First Team honors after hitting .345 with seven home runs, 43 RBIs and 17 doubles while also picking up a pair of wins in 10 starts on the mound.
With the 2024 season fast approaching, Benge is continuing to gain recognition as he was named to a pair of Preseason All-America teams as a utility player and was selected for the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.
"It's very cool being recognized and getting all these honors, but I try not to think about awards," Benge said. "I'm trying to stay with what I'm working on that day, not getting ahead of myself, worrying about my team and what needs to be done."
The expectations for Benge are high. Many eyes will be watching him throughout the Big 12 this season, and he is considered one of college baseball's top professional prospects and a potential first-round pick in July's Major League Baseball Draft.
"Carson is wired to handle things well," said OSU head coach Josh Holliday. "Some guys worry about what others say, but Carson is not that type."
The success as a freshman allowed Benge to step into a leadership role early, and his confidence on and off the field helped bring the Cowboys together as a unit.
Benge expressed his love for his teammates and the chemistry this team has for the new year, and it's easy to see his clear passion for the game, which rubs off on his fellow teammates.
"I'm a very fun and easy-going guy," Benge said. "When it comes down to it, I will get on people more often to really lock it in to get the job done. It's easy here though, we have a great group of guys."
While he has made a name for himself, the name Benge has been a part of OSU Baseball for several years.
Carson's older brother, Garrett, played two seasons for the Cowboys and was a star for OSU's 2016 College World Series team before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2017.
Garrett envisioned success for his younger brother from an early age, while making sure others knew as well.
Holliday recalls that during his recruitment of Garrett, the older brother made a prophetic statement.
"I asked who's that little rascal that's running around, and it was Carson. I remember Garrett telling me that (Carson) was going to be better than him, he's going to be the best," Holliday said.
Carson grew up around OSU baseball, making Stillwater the destination spot when his high school career began to flourish.
"It was in the back of my mind when I came here," Benge said. "Watching Garrett, being around all the games, seeing how cool the place was, meeting the coaches and the brand new O'Brate Stadium at the time was all I needed."
Managing a talented two-way player can create many possibilities, but also challenges for a lineup.
"With a guy like him, we are trying to figure out how our team needs him in the lineup," Holliday said. "We'll put him where we can most consistently win. Whether as a starter, reliever, outfielder, how we use him and many different things."
Benge has succeeded at both positions so far in his career, but every player has their preference.
"Definitely enjoy hitting more," Benge said. "I love putting up runs, but when I'm pitching the games are always tight, there's too much that comes with being on the mound."
Anywhere you put him, the results speak for themselves for the Cowboys' breakout two-way player Carson Benge.
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