Jimmy Benson Shines with Perfect Game for St. Laurence

Jimmy Benson of St. Laurence High School made a significant impact on the baseball field despite beginning golf only 18 months ago. Standing at 6-foot-8, Benson’s presence was undeniable both on the golf course and the baseball field, although he admits golf is a challenge. ‘I’m not very good at golf,’ he remarked, emphasizing his love for competition.

On the baseball mound, Benson’s determination is clear. ‘My goal every time out is to throw up a zero,’ he stated, explaining his focus on preventing opponents from reaching base. His commitment was evident in a recent game where he achieved a perfect game, earning five strikeouts for St. Laurence in a 5-0 triumph over Oak Lawn during the Class 4A St. Laurence Regional final.

St. Laurence’s Jimmy Benson delivered a perfect performance on Saturday, with his team securing a regional victory.

The game saw junior catcher Tristan Steger hitting a two-run double, aiding the top-seed Vikings (35-2) as they advanced to face Mount Carmel in a Brother Rice Sectional semifinal. Senior Mickey Lotus also contributed significantly, stealing home for the first run and making key defensive plays in the final inning to sustain Benson’s perfect game.

In contrast, Oak Lawn’s players, including junior Hamza Abdelfattah and senior Eli Kulpinski, secured four strikeouts and allowed just one hit prior to St. Laurence’s four-run sixth inning. Benson, a TCU commit, enhanced his record to 7-1 with his second career no-hitter, having previously defeated Mount Carmel 9-0 by completing 6 2/3 innings.

St. Laurence coach Pete Lotus praised Benson’s ability to strike consistently, keeping hitters unsteady. ‘We knew he would succeed from the moment he stepped on the field,’ Lotus said. His intense focus complements his off-field, carefree personality.

Players like Steger can perceive Benson’s extraordinary focus before the game begins. ‘There’s always that level of confidence with Jimmy pitching,’ Steger noted. He observed Benson’s capability to bewilder hitters with fastballs that move unpredictably. ‘It’s tough to hit the first time,’ Benson explained, detailing his strategy against new opponents.

While Benson tried basketball in his younger days, his potential with baseball was undeniable due to his height and being left-handed. Reflecting on his growth, Benson shared, ‘I’ve been big since I was young,’ recalling being a foot taller than peers at age nine. By age 13, his pitching skills stood out despite only reaching 80 mph.

Having led St. Laurence to the Class 3A state championship last year with an 11-1 record, Benson was thrilled to achieve his first perfect game. ‘I was close a couple of times, but only reached the fifth inning,’ he mentioned. His primary focus, however, remains on the team’s success. ‘The most important thing is we won,’ he affirmed.

Patrick Z. McGavin contributed as a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.