James Benham means quite a bit to the Union Springs baseball team.

And not just because the Wolves don't have a backup catcher.

The All-IAC senior is leading his squad both offensively and defensively. His batting average (.474) is nearly tops in the league and according to his coach, Benham's prowess behind the plate is incomparable.

“He's going to be our most valuable player for sure,” Jim Bona Jr. said. “We couldn't have conducted the games without him. If he wasn't playing, we weren't playing.”

His junior season, Benham beat out a senior for the starting catcher role. His .311 average earned him second team all-league honors.

But this year has been his official break-out party.

Benham has 21 hits in 17 games, including five doubles, four triples and a home run. He also controls the base paths - throwing out eight base runners on the season.

“I've never seen a catcher do that in 17 games,” Bona said of the feat. “He's got a really strong arm, plus he's stolen five bases. You don't see a lot of catchers with his overall abilities.”

Of his skills, Bona said Benham is “off the charts both offensively and defensively.” And as for trust, Bona has deferred all pitch-calling duties to his reliable leader.

“I've totally given him the reins,” Bona said. “I interject once in a while, but basically he calls the game. He has enough experience. He's worked with the pitchers enough in the offseason. He knows their strengths and weaknesses.”

This is a responsibility Bona hasn't bestowed on many catchers.

“Most years I find myself calling most of the pitches,” he said. “But with James, he has a relationship with the pitchers - I just trust him to do the right thing... He always knows the strategy, always knows how to set up a pitcher.”

With the day-to-day grind catcher's must endure, it's no surprise why many, at every level, wear down as the season progresses.

That's not the case with Benham.

He's as physical as they come. Benham isn't afraid to get dirty or put his body on the line to block a pitch in the dirt. In fact, his coach even said he's the most tired player after every game.

But that daily grind hasn't impacted his swing, which continues to do plenty of damage to opposing pitchers.

“He does it on both ends. It doesn't seem to distract him,” Bona said. “He's always tired when he comes in but he just goes out and does it offensively. It's kind of rare as a catcher. It's just one of the talents he has.”

Benham has had a tremendous season for the Wolves, but his most defining games came in the Cayuga County Tournament. Union Springs advanced and lost to Moravia in the title game, but Benham left his mark.

He hit safely in six of his seven tournament at-bats.

“He was just phenomenal offensively, but what you didn't see if you didn't go to the games was his defense,” Bona said. “He's blocking balls in the dirt, throwing out runners stealing, calling a very strategic game, backing up first base on every infield single. He's not afraid to hustle.”

Teams have taken notice this season and Benham has seen fewer and fewer hittable pitches. Although he's seen a lot more offspeed pitches off the plate, he's remained patient and won't give in until he sees one he can drive.

“He's forced to hit some tough pitches but all you have to do is make one mistake and he'll punish you,” Bona said. “If they come inside he pulls it. If they go outside he goes with the pitch. He's that kind of hitter. He just somehow finds a way.”

Benham will attend the University of Northwestern Ohio in the fall to study diesel engine technology. The school doesn't have a baseball team so these games will be his last.

And Bona expects Benham to make the most of them.

“He's quite an unsung hero. It wasn't until he got to the varsity level that he really shined,” Bona said. “It's rare. Normally you know what kind of talent to expect.”

James has just blossomed and it's been quite the surprise. I'd like to have him four more years. He's that kind of kid.“