We continue of series of interviews with the guys behind the microphones who bring us the minor league games through our radios and computers. Wrapping up the full season teams is Jason Benetti, the voice of the Salem Avalanche. Jason agreed to an email interview with Spikesnstars.com. The interview has not been edited for content but has been formated for the website. Let’s go for a trip around the bases with Jason Benetti.
First Base
Spikesnstars.com – We would like to give our readers a sense of where you came from and how you got to where you are now. Please describe for our readers your journey to land behind the mic in Corpus Christi. Specifically other teams you have called for and any other work if applicable away from the mic that may have helped lead you to your current role.
Jason Benetti – This is my second year with the Avalanche. I made it to the Roanoke Valley after spending a season as the number-two announcer for the Syracuse (Sky)Chiefs of the AAA International League. Prior to that, I was the play-by-play announcer for the independent Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League.
In the baseball offseason, I am the play-by-play announcer for men’s basketball at High Point University in North Carolina. I also am the studio host for Florida State football and basketball through a company called ISP Sports.
Second Base
SnS.com – Following up on that what in your opinion are the best and worst parts of broadcasting minor league baseball games?
Benetti – The best part for me is the opportunism that comes along with it. When one pitcher struggles, it gives another the chance to improve on his technique, strategy and, thus, statistics. It’s also the most pure sport when it comes to perfect information. I get to see these guys compete 140 times. This gives me a vast set of knowledge about how the players like to attack certain situations.
The worst part about calling baseball in the minors, to me, is watching players that I truly hope will go far not be able to. Having “nice guys finish last” play out in front of one’s own eyes is rather depressing.
Third Base
SnS.com – Can you describe some of your most memorable moments behind the mic in your career? Also which ballplayers were your favorite to call and why?
Benetti – I don’t know if you can even refer to my stint in baseball as a career, what with it spanning all of three years. My favorite moment isn’t necessarily a moment at all…..last April, Mitch Einertson hit well below .200. Four months later, the league was in grave trouble every time he stepped to the plate. Mitch came a hit shy of the batting title in the league last year. It was an inspiring tale. I understand the word “inspiring” sounds trite, but I’ve had a player come up to me this season after April and say he was going to try to be this year’s Mitch.
As far as favorite players to call goes, I really enjoyed the team speed we had in Salem in the first half last season. Watching the carousel of Josh Flores, Wladimir Sutil, Eli Iorg and the like was great.
If I had to pick one player from the mound and plate, though, I’d say Tommy Manzella and Brad James. Tommy was a statistically average hitter in Salem, but some of his at-bats, to my eye and others’, were of a caliber well above the Carolina League. His defense was impeccable, too. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t, simply by brute hard work, a Major-Leaguer.
Pitchers are sometimes, in a derogatory way, referred to as “adventures” on the mound. With as positive of a light I can shine, Brad James was an adventure. Players would find ways to get on base against him, only to be left with their hands at their sides on the path when the inning ended. He had fun with the game.
Heading for Home
SnS.com – Finally, as The Bus Ride highlights Astros prospects we would like to know one pitcher and one position player who you have seen this year that stands out. We’d like to know in your view those players’ strengths and areas for improvement.
Benetti – On the mound, Polin Trinidad was superb when he was here. Every five days, the Avalanche was guaranteed to be in the ball game, it seemed. Also, in his three months or so with the team this year and last, I did not see him display any “bad body language” on the mound. That’s huge for coaches in a league like this one (and overall).
Position-player-wise, Jimmy Van Ostrand has worked very hard on some technical things with hitting coach Keith Bodie and has reaped the benefits. He’s just finished an 11-game hit streak during which he drove in nearly half of the runs he’s plated this year. He’s played both at first and in left this season and has not been a liability at all in either location.
You can hear the Avs games on line via MILB.com or at SalemAvalanche.com. Spikesnstars.com would like to thank Jason Benetti for the interview.