HCS Exclusive Interview: Oklahoma State Two-Way Star Carson Benge
With less than a month left of the regular season, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are right in the mix for a second straight Big 12 title. In fact, they are just one game back from first place. While they have had some injuries to deal with this season, this team has still been able to be one of the most consistent teams in the conference. One of the reasons is because of two-way player Carson Benge. Whether it’s on the mound or at the plate, the sophomore from Yukon, Oklahoma has gotten the job done. I got the chance to speak with Carson about the team, his performance, and some of his favorite things.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO BASEBALL, AND WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF IT?
Carson: “My earliest memories would have to be being at the field when my brothers were playing. I would always be at the field when they were there wherever it was. I was just tagging along and hitting. I really got into baseball because of my family and my brothers. They were older, and they played a lot of sports, so that gravitated me to play sports, and baseball was the one sport I instantly fell in love with.”
BEING FROM THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU TO GO TO OKLAHOMA STATE AND PLAY BASEBALL?
Carson: “It was pretty sick. They have a great coaching staff here, and everything is top-notch. It’s one of the best programs in the country and I couldn’t ask to be at a better place than this.”
THIS IS YOUR THIRD SEASON IN THIS CONFERENCE, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE BIG 12 IN TERMS OF BASEBALL?
Carson: “It’s definitely a different level compared to high school. Everyone is bigger, stronger, and faster and all aspects of the game are up tremendously. I would say that the Big 12 is one of the best conferences when it comes to baseball.”
IT’S BEEN EIGHT YEARS SINCE OKLAHOMA STATE HAS MADE THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES, WHAT WOULD IT MEAN FOR YOU GUYS TO GET BACK TO OMAHA?
Carson: “It would mean the world. We have been working on it ever since we all stepped foot on campus here. We aren’t just trying to get to Omaga. We are trying to go get one and this group of guys can do it.”
YOU ARE HAVING A CAREER YEAR AT THE PLATE, AVERAGING .324, ALONG WITH 12 HOME RUNS AND 50 RBI. WHAT HAS BEEN THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Carson: “I just don’t think about outside noise and stay true to myself. I try to help the team out in any way possible. I just stay within my game and trust it.”
HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO MANAGE NOT ONLY TO PLAY IN THE OUTFIELD BUT ALSO TO PITCH AND HIT?
Carson: “Oklahoma State has quite a few two-way guys here. And Nolan McLean was here last year. I feel like they go through a trial-and-error type of deal here to see what works best for us. Plus, they had a great plan for me coming in.”
DO YOU PREFER TO PITCH OR PLAY OUTFIELD?
Carson: “Not really. I find them both fun and I like competing. That’s my main thing. I just love being out there and competing any way I can.”
IS THIS THE MOST COMPLETE OKLAHOMA STATE TEAM YOU HAVE BEEN ON?
Carson: “Defintely. I feel like we are an all-around team. We have had a lot of guys get hurt and we are still finding ways to win games. We had Tyler Wulfert out and Nolan Schubart out for a few weeks and we were still winning. It’s not a one guy show here. Everyone is doing anything they can to score runs and win games.”
RAPID FIRE
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS OR HAVE A PREGAME RITUAL?
Carson: “I like wearing my socks inside out. I feel like that gives me some hits. Nolan McLean actually taught me that one. And I love to pray before the game. I can’t go without it.”
FAVORITE MLB TEAM?
Carson: “I don’t really have one. I am not into watching a certain team. I just like watching baseball when it’s on.”
FAVORITE PLAYER OF ALL TIME?
Carson: “Growing up it was Robinson Cano.”
TOUGHEST PITCHER YOU HAVE EVER FACED?
Carson: “Justin Campbell who was here two years ago.”
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN STILLWATER?
Carson: “Definitely Chick-fil-A.”
WHAT’S THE ORDER?
Carson: “Three chicken sandwiches, macaroni, and cheese, and Powerade.”
