The Skyliner

Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: Entertainment & Features

Media Credit: Andrea Brazell

Chris Bullard
Staff Writer


Crusader baseball is hitting off the season with some singles, doubles and even triplets.

Mark, Matt and Michael Benjamin are stepping up to the plate for the North Greenville University Crusaders as brothers and teammates.

Born on Sept. 29, 1988, the 19 year-old Benjamin brothers were raised in Greenwood, SC by their parents John and Susan Benjamin. Growing up triplets had its blessings and disadvantages.

"You always have somebody to do something with … never bored," Michael said. "The worst is when people call us three twins. We get that all the time, and people try to guess who's who."

The brothers have been playing on the same baseball team for about 15 years in recreational leagues, a high school league at Greenwood Christian school and now for the Crusaders.

Matt and Michael pitch, and Mark is a catcher.

"There was defiantly competition between us in high school, but not so much now here," Michael said.

The brotherly competition may have ceased, but all three still jokingly claim to be the best.

The Benjamins looked at other schools, but it was baseball that brought them to NGU.
"We had some tryouts … we really liked Nihart and what the program was about," said Michael.

Transitioning into NGU wasn't too difficult for the triplets who went from one Christian school to another. They appreciate the Christian atmosphere and a smaller environment where they can get to know people.

"I like having Godly teachers and coaches," Matt said.

The brothers are also finding out that college baseball is an entirely new game, practicing at least twice as much as they did in high school.

"College ball is a different world. Everything is serious and you're always being evaluated," Michael said.
"In college, the opponents are a lot more skilled," added Matt.

While the Benjamin brothers acknowledge and appreciate the challenges that come with college-level competition, they are not forgetting their love for the game.

"It's about being around your teammates and just enjoying yourself," Mark said.

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