Ben Chapman is as described by his teammates and coaches as a dedicated, focused, and all-around a good team player. Before all of the cancellations and postponements due to the coronavirus, The Lamp caught up with Chapman and we talked about his early baseball career and how LLCC has helped him to get into Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, D1 baseball program where he will be a pitcher next year.

When did you start playing baseball?

Ben Chapman: Ever since I can remember. I was probably 2 to 3 years old. My parents had to tell a white lie about my age, so I could play t-ball a year early.

How has LLCC helped you get ready for Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (SIUC)?

Coming out of Rochester (High school) LLCC was my only scholarship option.  Coming to LLCC and learning the speed of the game along with learning everything from Coach Riggle, Coach Tor, and Coach McGee has prepared me well.

Have you decided on baseball as a career?

No, I haven’t, but I hope that is what happens after SIUC.  My backup plan is studying criminal justice and law enforcement. Baseball has always been a dream of mine.  I have had two cousins who have been drafted by MLB teams, so yes, it defiantly a big goal of mine.

What steps would you take to achieve that goal?

Coming to LLCC was the first step. Now, I have an opportunity to excel at SIUC.  If things go well at SIUC I will have a good chance to get drafted and hopefully just move my way up to the majors.  That’s the plan.

If you could play for any major league team which one would it be and why?

That’s an easy one.  Being a Cardinals fan all my life, the St. Louis Cardinals would be nice to play for. It would be cool to be close to home and maybe see some familiar faces around.

What would your walk-on song be?

Any Classic rock, or an AC/DC that I switch up every year.

Who has been your inspiration in baseball?

There have been a lot of players that I look up to.  First, my dad has always been there, he has had two shoulder surgeries because he has thrown so many balls to me in practice.   My parents and family are probably my biggest inspiration.

Who is your favorite baseball player or member of Baseball’s  Hall of Fame?

Yadier Molina. (Lamp side note: When Molina retires experts expect he will go straight to the Hall of Fame in the first vote.  Nice choice Ben!)

What do you like to do in your free time?

Hang with my friends, teammates off the field. Enjoy the outdoors fishing, hunting and stuff like that.

If you could have dinner with any two people living or dead who would they be?

I would probably have to say, Pete Rose, a manager of the Cincinnati Reds, but he bet on his team to win one game, which is illegal inside the game of baseball.  He has been banned from the game, but he still holds the record for most hits, and it would cool just to hear about his highs and lows and how he kind of deals with it.  And another person I  would have with me would be my Dad because he would be fun to have at the dinner table with Pete Rose.

Unfortunately, due to the current Corona Virus  COVID 19 pandemic, The LLCC Loggers will practice social distancing and follow guidance from the  Illinois Department of Public Health going forward.  The baseball team will be not be playing games after returning from their spring break trip in Florida, until further notice.  Stay connected here at the Lamp for updates on their scores in Florida as well as the Softball team scores. Go Loggers!