Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Three tabbed as captains for 2019 season
12/7/2018 3:00:00 PM | Baseball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Head Coach Jim Toman announced Thursday the captains for the 2019 season.
Outfielder Blake Benefield, pitcher Tyler Holcombe, and infielder Drew Huff, all seniors, were voted by their teammates to receive the honor.
"The three chosen to be our team captains have been a part of the program for several years and have earned their stripes on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom," Toman said. "They are guys the rest of the players look up to and I am positive they will do a tremendous job leading the team."
For Blake Benefield, being a key piece for the Blue Raiders is nothing new. The senior heads into the 2019 season with 157 career starts. The 2016 Freshman All-American started all 55 games last season, driving in 44 runs and belting 10 home runs.
"I love my team and I'm thankful that they see me as a captain," Benefield said. "I'm ready for the spring to do everything I can to make this season special. I want to help the younger guys learn the ropes quickly and pick them up whenever they need it."
Tyler Holcombe was as consistent as could be coming out of the bullpen last season, making a team high 25 appearances. The right-hander struck out 37 batters while walking just 13.
"It's a great honor to be a captain for my final season here at MT," Holcombe said. "I told the guys how much it means to me for them to vote for me to be a captain. From a leadership standpoint, I like to take care of business on the field and that's how I plan on leading our team this year."
Drew Huff secured his starting spot at the hot corner back in 2016 and will look to continue to help the Blue Raiders both in the field and on the mound. The Murfreesboro native caught fire in the second half of the season last year, batting .348 during that span. Huff was also used heavily on the mound, making 18 appearances.
"It's humbling that they chose me," Huff said. "I hope to win a championship and to help the younger guys catch on to the speed of the game."
The team also announced alternate captains in Aaron Antonini, Darrell Freeman Jr., Zach Keenan, Carson Lester, and Andy Wright.
"The five guys that were chosen to be alternate captains are also very deserving and will give us very solid leadership as well," Toman said. "It is always a good thing to have several players get votes for captain."
The Blue Raiders kick off the season in just 70 days when they host Bowling Green for a three-game series.
