2015 Roster: Ben Hughes
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Champion City Kings are revealing one player from the 2015 roster each Friday this offseason. This week, the Kings present pitcher Ben Hughes from Eastern Illinois University (NCAA DI, Ohio Valley Conference), who will join the club for the upcoming season, which will begin May 27 against the Richmond RiverRats at Carleton Davidson Stadium.
Hughes is from nearby Tipp City, Ohio and attended Tippecanoe High School before beginning his collegiate career at Eastern Illinois this school year. At Tippecanoe, Hughes amassed a 26-5 record and pitched just under 200 innings. In his senior season, he recorded 75 strike outs and a 0.99 ERA, while earning First-Team All-Ohio and conference Player of the Year honors. Overall, Hughes was named All-Ohio twice and All-Area and All-Conference four times in high school.
"Ben is the type of pitcher that is a gamer, he is going to go out there and get you outs every time he pitches," said Kings manager Chris Perkovich. "He works super hard and can pitch in almost any role that is asked of him."
Eastern Illinois head coach Jim Schmitz said, "Ben is someone who has all the tools and intangibles to be a successful pitcher. With him having 4 good pitches, that is something that is hard to find."
A freshman this year, Hughes has already tossed three innings for Eastern Illinois this Spring.
"I am excited to see what Ben will do this year at EIU and what he will bring to Springfield," said Perkovich.
The Kings begin the 2015 season at home Wednesday, May 27 against the Richmond RiverRats at 7:05 p.m. Season ticket and advertising information is available by contacting General Manager Rick White via email at rwhite@championcitykings.com.
