LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — July 1, 2025 is a day that Louisville Bats pitcher Sam Benschoter will never forget. That was the day he got his first call up to the major leagues. It was a dream realized, with another still to go. 

"Didn't really sleep that night," said Benschoter. "I called my parents and my grandpa. I was able to text my coaches and a lot of people that had a really big impact on me from my youth all the way up that kind of led to that moment."

The 27-year-old relief pitcher met the team in Boston, then was sent back three days later, not having pitched. Ditto for a second call-up earlier this month which included stops in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. His parents, sisters and coaches made trips to see him, but saw no pitches thrown.

"If I'm there and the club is winning games, that's better than me getting to pitch," said Benschoter. "I still would like to pitch and that is a dream but the game knows and the game will give me what I'm supposed to have."

Benschoter has already beaten long odds to get as far as he has. It's been a pretty steady climb through the Reds system after they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2021. In his first full year in triple A, he leads the Bats with seven wins. 

"It's been fun to see the development and how much better he's gotten," said Louisville Bats manager Pat Kelly. "He's probably the hardest working guy on the club. He's here early working hard in the weight room, and it really shows. There's some deception there. The hitters just don't see his fastball very well. They swing and miss. And that's what this game is all about is getting swings and misses."

"I feel like I'm knocking on the door, right there," said Benschoter. "I definitely want, but I try not to make that my focus. My focus day-to-day is be where your feet are, so I'm here today, and I'm going to enjoy the present."   

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