Although Mercedes-Benz Baseball Club is a relatively young program the impact it has made in a short time is evident. With an excitement that starts from the very top, this program has put together highly skilled and highly competitive teams on the field from day 1.
Coaching Staff
Associate Head Coach Ben Krueger: Krueger founded the Cascade Collegiate League in 2019 where he also serves as Commissioner and Manager of the CCL Showcase Team.
Pitching Coach Keith Hessler: Hessler joins the staff after an impressive professional career with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres from 2015-2016.
Catching Coach Ezra Lacina: Lacina returns for his fourth year after being hired this offseason as the EVCC Catching Coach
Program Location
Originally based out of the Greater Seattle area, the Benz Boys now have regional draw and are comprised of elite players from as far north as Lynden, WA and as far south as Grants Pass, OR.
Key 2021 Class Players
Eli Holbert (RHP) – Everett CC commit from Sherwood, OR recently PR’d at at February PBR event, reaching 90mph on the mound. The 6’3″ 230lb right-hander is developing as an impressive late-inning option for a gifted pitching staff.
Drake Bird (C) – Lower Columbia commit from Chelan, WA has been clocked in the 1.96 to 2.03 range to second base by PBR and Area Code workouts in 2020. The 6’0″ 180lb backstop has offensive upside and strong leadership qualities.
Key 2022 Class Players
Jake Dodge (1B) – Oregon commit from Tigard, OR routinely displays triple-digit exit velocity, showing well this November in the Fifth National Power Showcase at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX. Dodge, listed at 6’5″ 215lbs, homered 12 times with a peak distance of 484ft.
Isaac Hill (RHP) – Oregon State commit from Grants Pass, OR had an impressive season last summer with the Medford Rogues before joining the Benz Boys in 2021. The 6’1″ 190lb right-hander was clocked at 91mph on the mound in November of 2020.
Cade Slayton (INF) – Uncommitted standout from Lynden, WA slashed (.310/.423/.923) in the middle of a strong 2020 Benz lineup that featured Vanderbilt SS Carter Young, UW commit Cameron Clayton and OSU commit Mason Guerra. The 6’2″ 215lb lefty flashed 100mph exit velocity at a July PBR event and is currently listed as the #2 3B in the 2022 Washington grad class.
Also notable: Vinny Salvione (INF) – Portland commit and Rafton Monica (RHP) – Seattle U commit.
Key 2023 Class Players
Braiden Boyd (LHP) – Washington State commit from Chelan, WA has been up to 83 with 2000 FB spin and is listed as 6’5″ 190lbs.
Ryan Cooney (INF) – Oregon commit from Portland, OR is currently listed by PBR as the #1 SS in the 2023 Oregon grad class (#354 nationally) and was clocked at 91mph across the diamond in September.
Kooper Jones (C) – Washington State commit from Pasco, WA is currently listed by PBR as the #2 C in the 2023 Washington grad class and has been clocked in the 1.98 to 2.10 range to second base by PBR in February.
Levi Jones (INF) – Oregon State commit from Portland, OR is currently listed by PBR as the #1 3B in the 2023 Oregon grad class and recorded 95mph exit velocity in a March PBR event.
Dawson Santana (INF) – Oregon commit from Lake Oswego, OR is currently listed by PBR as the #3 SS in the 2023 Oregon grad class.
Drew Talavs (RHP) – Oregon State commit from West Linn, OR is currently listed by PBR as the #1 RHP in the 2023 Oregon grad class (#97 nationally) and has been up to 90mph on the mound.
Paul Wilson (LHP) – Oregon State commit from Lake Oswego, OR is currently listed by PBR as the #1 overall player in the state of Oregon (#80 nationally) and has been up to 92mph on the mound.
Also notable: Ty Alleman (RHP) – Uncommitted sidearmer from Portland, OR is currently listed by PBR as the #3 RHP in the 2023 Oregon grad class and has been up to 86 with 2100-2400 SL spin.
Hopes and expectations for 2021
“We expect to grow our players’ knowledge of the game and to invest heavily in position-specific instruction on road trips over the course of the summer. We’re gonna get these guys ready to compete at the Division I level.” – Head Coach, Ben Krueger
