'Fun Journey' Ends At Lafayette For Benneche

Luke Benneche OF / RHP / Simsbury, CT / 2020

“This took a huge weight off my shoulders,” Benneche admitted about his commitment to the Patriot League school. “The recruitment was fun, but I’m happy it’s over. It was frustrating, kind of a two-way street. A school would be very interested in you and show it, but then you wouldn’t hear from them.

“But I loved going to showcases and meeting a lot of good kids. The ProCase in the winter I really liked because I met a lot of new people. PBR helped with that. It made this a fun journey.”

But one that has now been completed after considering Babson and Bucknell prior to Lafayette coming into the picture.

“In early August I went to a showcase and hit two home runs in one game,” Benneche reflected. “I spoke to the coach afterward, I went on a visit and it went from there.

“Up until then I was looking at Babson. They saw me at the Top Prospect Games in June and I talked to them all summer. It was tough to say no to them, but Lafayette was a better opportunity as far as ball and school.

“I like the general atmosphere at Lafayette,” Benneche continued. “The sports are all good and I love watching other sports. Academically it’s great. Being in the Patriot League, I love the idea of playing Army and Navy.”

The chance to do it as a two-way player makes it even better for the 6-3, 215-pound right-handed outfielder and pitcher.

“They like the idea that I do both and are giving me a chance to be a two-way player,” Benneche said of Lafayette. “They like my versatility.