HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Hackettstown High School sophomore Sean Benbow reached a major milestone in the top of the third inning Wednesday, recording his 100th career strikeout during the Tigers’ 7-5 victory over Parsippany Hills in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 first-round game at Centenary University.
Heading into the state tournament matchup, Benbow needed four strikeouts to reach the milestone. He said he was aware of the number but tried not to let it become a distraction during the game.
“I knew I was close beforehand but I didn’t want that to take over,” Benbow told RNJ. “I was more focused on hitting my spots, executing and helping the team win.”
Benbow said he believes he is the first sophomore in Hackettstown High School history to record 100 career strikeouts.
“I do believe that I am the first sophomore at HHS to reach this milestone,” he said.
The sophomore pitcher said he has spent most of his life on the mound and began realizing his potential earlier this season.
“I have been pitching pretty much my whole life,” Benbow said. “Halfway through this season I was told that I have a lot of potential on the mound and now I have fully realized that pitching is a strength for me.”
Benbow credited his coaches, teammates and family members for helping him reach the accomplishment.
“Everyone honestly has helped me,” he said. “My coaches, teammates and family are all there for me when I’m struggling and I know they all believe in me so I know they are there for me and that helps a lot.”
While Benbow said he sees baseball in his future, he remains focused on enjoying his high school career and time with teammates.
“I do think about baseball in the future,” he said. “I’m not too worried about it — I’m still trying to enjoy the time I have with my teammates. But baseball is definitely in my future.”
Benbow also offered advice to younger athletes working toward similar achievements.
“Don’t become so focused on yourself that you become a bad teammate,” he said. “Enjoy the time you have playing and the milestones will come but don’t take it for granted.”
