Nate Benson helped HS as pitcher, hitter, saw 3 pro seasons

Nate Benson helped his Leo High School team both on the mound and at the plate in this April 1987 game, The Chicago Tribune wrote.

He knocked a two-run single in the seventh and then pitched the final two innings without giving up a run to record the save, The Tribune wrote.

Benson went on from Leo to play professionally as a pitcher. He played three seasons. He never made AA.

Benson's professional career began in 1988, taken by the Mets in the 50th round of the draft out of Leo.

Benson first hit the field for the Mets in 1989, playing in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He got into 15 games, starting five. He turned in a 2.91 ERA and a 2-3 record.

He moved to rookie Kingsport for 1990, getting  into 13 games there and starting 10. He went 6-4, with a 338 ERA.

Benson's final season came in 1991 at single-A Columbia, going two scoreless in a May win. Overall, he went 3-2, with a 228 ERA, ending his career.

Originally published March 16, 2017

• Chicago Tribune, April 13, 1987: Rain Too Late To Stop Barrington, Oak Park

More: The 1990 Kingsport Mets

More 1990 Minor Leaguers:

 - Christian Benitez saw 2 pro seasons, maxed out at Wausau, 2/29/16
 - Luis Benitez saw three pro seasons, was part of big trade, 4/29/13

 - Mike Benjamin saw 13 ML seasons, hit well in one stretch, 5/19/11
 - Chris Bennett saw 11 pro seasons, made AAA, winter roster, 4/16/14

 - Erik Bennett made bigs with Angels, Twins, then coached, 9/4/22

 - Gary Bennett got on ML hot streak in 2006, saw 13 seasons, 2/11/15
 - Jim Bennett saw three pro seasons, then long coaching career, 11/10/14

 - Bruce Bensching started strong, saw 3 pro seasons, high-A, 11/1/22
 - Nate Benson helped HS as pitcher, hitter, saw 3 pro seasons, 3/16/17

 - Tom Benson matured in high school, made two pro seasons, 7/28/24