Benjamin Heard '26 Recruiting Profile

My story is different than the typical player.  I was born in Vietnam and was adopted at the age of 10 months to an American family.  I am grateful for the life-changing opportunity given to me by my parents. 

My dad taught me the art of the game and I have played baseball since 5 year-old tee ball.  I have played on several organizations in recreational and travel baseball.  I played twice at the Rypken Experience, in Myrtle Beach and Pigeon Forge Tenn.  I was a starter on my high school team in 8th grade (2021-2022) and Summer 2022 splitting time between second base and catcher.  I also pitched some, and hit .389 for the year.  Also, during the summer of 2022, I played for NOCA Black in New Orleans which played at several College venues across the South.  I played in series at Mississippi St, Southern Miss, South Alabama, and in Perfect Game Showcases.   For my 9th grade year, I am the starter at 2nd base and am pitching more for the team which has limited my catching opportunities this year.  I am hitting .333 for the season thus far with a .476 OBP.  My plan for the Summer of 2023 is to play for my High School team (required) then participate in as many showcases I can in order to get exposure to the college coaches.

I have an above average baseball IQ and am very polished in my skills.  I enjoy working on the finer points of the game.  I like looking at YouTube for practice tips and lessons from other players/coaches.  I am looking for an opportunity to grow at baseball while getting a good education that will prepare me for life after school.

I would like to attend a selective College and secure a degree that will provide good job opportunities out of college.  I am currently undecided on an academic major.  I am looking for medium/small college atmosphere and would be open to opportunities at schools throughout the US.  

I am a high character person driven to work at becoming best player I can be.  I am an Honors student taking AP classes and member of Jr. National Honor Society as a Freshman.  In eigth grade I took a pre-ACT, scoring a 23 that projects to 30-34 when I am ready to take the ACT in my Junior year.  I am waiting for my score in the Pre-SAT taken this spring.  I am very active in my community, volunteering for service hours at camps sponsored by my school and in helping special need kids in sports activities.