Clyde Bennett and his Young Bucks return to NAFA for a run at the 23-Under title
Written by Bob on June 27th, 2013
SANTA BARBARA, CA
– For the past several years, Clyde Bennett has thought, this is it. This will be the last year he’s taking his Young Bucks to the NAFA 23-Under World Series. But like a grandfather who can’t say no to the pleadings of his grandchildren, Bennett is talked into going.
"I have kids who played for me in the 23-Under, and they tell other young kids how much fun they had," said Bennett. "And the younger ones say, ‘you did it for those guys, why not us?’ The kids just won’t let me give it up."
Not that he wants to. For Bennett, 75, still loves the sport today in his 59th season as much as when he started playing back in 1954.
HE DOES IT ALL
Bennett has worn many fastpitch hats – catcher, manager, sponsor, tournament director, umpire, and recruiter – a task he’s been quite busy at Lately. He’s putting together a team for the NAFA 23-Under World Series in Des Moines Iowa, Aug. 16-18.
Last year the Young Bucks (4-1) finished second to Northwest Implement (5-0) of Maryville, Missouri in a thriller, losing 7-6 in eight innings. He would love to reverse that roll and win the title.
He’s got a good nucleus of players to do it, but has a few more spots to fill.
"We’ve got eight committed and four or five maybe’s," he said, adding that he needs a few more players, especially a catcher.
POWERFUL STAFF
The pitching looks strong. He’s got 23-year-old Guido Silbert of Argentina, along with Jesse Martinez, 22, of Corona, Calif. And a third prospect in Robert Cortez of the Morongo Indian Reservation near Banning.
Silbert pitched the Young Bucks to their only 23-Under title in 2008 as an 18-year-old. So with his added years of experience, the Young Bucks should be a contender.
"He throws all the pitches, up and down," Bennett said. "Jesse pitched last year for us when we finished runner-up, and I’ve heard that Cortez is pretty good."
But he’s got talented position players as well – four from Santa Barbara, including Julian Flores in centerfield; infielders Tyler McGaughey and Kyle Richardson, and outfielder Jarred Ownsby.
TALENTED POSITION PLAYERS
"Julian is the fastest kid I’ve ever had and bats leadoff," Bennett said. "Tyler bats third and led the (2012) NAFA 23-Under in batting average and extra base hits. Kyle and Jarred are fairly new to the sport, but they show lots of promise."
Also being counted on is C.J. Sales of Anaheim, who hits the ball well with power, and has an enthusiasm for the game that motivates his teammates.
In the 2012 NAFA 23-Under, Martinez was selected the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for his pitching and hitting. He had a 2-1 record in 22 2/3 innings allowing five runs and striking out 29 with an ERA of 1.59. He also drove in five runs and carried a .357 batting average. Tyler McGaughey earned All-World honors with a .500 avg., RBI, three runs.
YOUNG TO OLD
Bennett is no stranger to young men’s fastpitch. He has taken his Young Bucks to the NAFA World Series six times since 2006, winning the one championship and finishing runner-up twice. He has also entered his team in the ASA Young Men’s National Championship six times, claiming one title.
And for many years, Bennett has fielded a Masters team, competing in several national tournaments. And he once ran the Santa Barbara Bucks that finished as high as third in the ASA Class A National Tournament with his son Mark in the circle. For seven years, he served NAFA as a regional Umpire-in-Chief, along with being the Tournament Director for the Best of The West Men’s Open Tournament.
Though this season is far from over, he’s already planning on returning next season for what will be a remarkable milestone.
"Next year will be 60 years and I hope to be back," he said.
And more than likely he will hear the plea from the young: "you did it for those guys, why not us?’"
TRYOUT OPPORTUNITY
For those players 23 and under who wish to try out for the Young Bucks, contact Bennett at 805-964-2114 or 805-895-9007. Or email him at clydebennett50@gmail.com.
