Benevento Excited To 'Share The Love Of Baseball'

Alex Benevento OF / SS / New Canaan, CT / 2024

NEW CANAAN, Ct. - Alex Benevento has found what he had been aspiring to do for some time.

“It was always kind of a dream of mine to play college baseball since I was a little kid playing with my youth team,” Benevento explained. “I wanted to use baseball to get into a high-academic school to set me up for a strong future, while at the same time being able to play at a high level.”

Both the baseball program and school academics at Brown University fit that description according to the fifth-rated 2024 outfielder in New England.

“They came to one of my high school games this spring and they said I played well,” reflected Benevento, a two-time participant for Team Connecticut at the Future Games where Brown first saw him play. “I had a call with (assistant) coach (Christopher) Tilton and hopped on another with (head) coach (Grant) Achilles. I thought it was a good fit.

“They have similar philosophies with me in how to play the game. We figured out a date to see the campus and at the end of that visit they offered. I was always looking for a campus in a big city where you couldn’t see the city when you were on campus. I was really excited about that after the visit and thought it was a really good fit. I talked it over with my parents and a couple of days later I committed.”

Brown saw a lot to like in the 5-9 175-pound outfielder, who had interest from other Ivy League and high-academic universities.

“They really liked how vocal I was,” the 35th-ranked 2024 in New England related. “They thought I took command of the outfield well, communicating and keeping everyone on the same page. They also liked the way I ran the bases. That is one of my strong suits and they recognized that.”

A commitment brought an end to a recruiting process that was enjoyable according to Benevento.

“Obviously, it was stressful at times but it was very exciting,” the 17-year-old explained. “The Future Games was an amazing opportunity, that’s when I was first seen by Brown, and I’m thankful for everything PBR did to help me. It was exciting to be around the top talent in the country, guys who love the sport. I definitely think PBR was a big help in getting me to where I am now. To talk high-level baseball with minds at that level, it was amazing to hear what they had to say.”

With a commitment in hand, Benevento is thrilled to know where his future lies.

“There was a lot of excitement mixed with a little relief,” Benevento said. “It’s hard to describe. It was a feeling like no other to accomplish a goal I’ve had for a long time.” 

The incoming senior at New Canaan High School pointed to improvements in his game in helping reach the dream of playing college baseball.

“One thing I’ve focused on is the mental side of my game,” Benevento said. “I think about an at-bat before it happens and go up there with a plan. The mental side of the game has allowed me to make that next jump. Also, my contact and barrel percentage is up.”

The 11th-rated 2024 from Connecticut believes he has a lot to provide Brown baseball.

“I definitely think being a speed guy that I have a lot to bring to the program,” Benevento explained. “I’m a high energy guy, something else I’ll be able to bring to the table.”

Being a student-athlete at a prestigious school like Brown will, admittedly, bring challenges.

“Being an athlete in college at any university is stressful, and at Brown it’s going to be tough,” noted Benevento, who lives 21/2 hours from his new college home in Providence, R.I. “But I’m excited to take on the challenge. I love learning and challenging myself. I have to learn to manage my time but I’m thankful to have that opportunity.”

There was a lot of help in getting to this point in life pointed out Benevento.

“All the support from my parents, the travel to get the exposure, I’m thankful to them and also to all of my coaches,” Benevento said. “They helped me develop, tweak my swing and work on the little things. I also thank my teammates. I’ve never been on a team I’ve not enjoyed being on.”

Benevento sees that love for his team continuing at Brown, where the 4.0 student is considering a major in mathematics or the STEM field.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates and having that brotherhood in college,” Benevento concluded. “These are friends I’ll have for life and I’m excited about that and getting to know the environment there, having fun and sharing the love of baseball. Nothing is better than that.”