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New manager Benedetti hopes to lead Border Cats to playoffs for first time since 2008

THUNDER BAY - Danny Benedetti is determined to bring winning baseball back to Thunder Bay. After all, the first-year Border Cats manager probably has the fondest memories from the last time the organization tasted glory.
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Thunder Bay's Carter McEachern swings during a game last season. McEachern is returning to the Border Cats again for the 2015 Northwoods League season, which starts Tuesday night at home against the Eau Claire Express. (tbnewswatch file photograph)

THUNDER BAY - Danny Benedetti is determined to bring winning baseball back to Thunder Bay.

After all, the first-year Border Cats manager probably has the fondest memories from the last time the organization tasted glory.

The task for the rookie skipper this season is a simple one, and he knows that after seeing the team disappoint on the diamond for the past number of years.

“I’m promising this is going to be a better year. I have to win ball games. That’s my job,” he said when reached by telephone on Monday, one week before their Northwoods League season opener.

The former all-star catcher was a member of the 2008 championship squad, which is the last time the Border Cats appeared in a postseason game.

With a Thunder Bay playoff drought now spanning six seasons, Benedetti, who has also served as an assistant coach with the organization, knows it’s long past time the team returned to their winning ways.

In order to accomplish that, Benedetti assembled a roster composed of players from big name schools.

That roster includes the trio of infielders Penn Murfee and Tyler Green, along with pitcher Ryan Johnson, who all play for the reigning College World Series champion Vanderbilt Commodores.

There are also a number of players from other marquee programs.

From his years in the summer circuit as a player, as well as an assistant coach, Benedetti is confident about how his lineup stacks up.

“I think on paper right now we have pretty much one of the best teams in the Northwoods League positionally and even on the mound we have guys from big time schools,” he said.

While physical talent is something he obviously sought while out on the recruiting trail, there was one attribute that trumps velocity or power.

Benedetti believes it is an essential ingredient to being successful.       

“I’m looking for commitment. That was my biggest thing when I was recruiting these kids,” he said.

“I’m not looking for guys to come up for a month-and-a-half to two months and expect that they’re just going to get their time and get out. I’m looking for guys wanting to win a championship and staying the entire summer.”

Benedetti served as a volunteer assistant in the NCAA with the St. John Red Storm, who advanced to the Big East conference tournament.

That’s a blessing and a curse, because the further the Red Storm extend their season the longer it will take for him to arrive north of the border.

In his absence, the team will be led by pitching coach Lou Bernardi. Benedetti said he will be in constant communication with the team as he waits to join his crew.

The Border Cats open the season next week as they host the Eau Claire Express for a two-game series at Tbaytel Park at Port Arthur Stadium next Tuesday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. followed by a Wednesday morning affair to start at 11:05 a.m.





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