Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2008
- Class:
- 2016
Arguably one of the greatest players in Kent State and MAC history, Van Benschoten was chosen eighth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2001 Major League Draft. That year, he hit .440 with 74 runs scored, 31 home runs, 84 RBI and 23 stolen bases while compiling a 2-2 record with eight saves and 63 strikeouts in 48.2 innings pitched on the mound. The standout performance garnered the Milford, Ohio native consensus first team All-America honors as well as a spot amongst the finalists for the Dick Howser Trophy and the Rotary Smith Award – both of which honors the nation’s top collegiate player. A two-time All-MAC honoree, Van Benschoten led the Flashes to the 2000 MAC regular season championship and was named MVP after KSU won the 2001 MAC Tournament title. The owner of five Kent State and four MAC single season records, he is in the top 10 of 10 different school career records despite playing just three seasons.
