I found this Bruce Benedict card in my 1985 season set.
While “Eggs” Benedict was a decent catcher for Atlanta, he never was much of a hitter. That was so true in 1985 when he hit .202 over 70 games and 208 at-bats. His playing time wasn’t because of his power either. Benedict didn’t hit any homers and only hit six doubles. Giving credit where it’s due, he walked more (22) than he struck out (12).
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Totals | 70 | 237 | 208 | 12 | 42 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 22 | 12 | .202 | .279 | .231 |
Benedict gets a 66-6 for his six doubles. In addition to his 11-7, he’s blessed with four 8s along with the two 9s. That saves him from getting a unusual result number at 15 or 25.
Slowpoke that he was, he couldn’t run out the ground balls and received three 24s. Only one 13 for Benedict though, a rarity for catchers in his era.
Ugly numbers: 11-7, 33-8, 51-14
Despite his .242 career batting average and 18 total career homeruns, Bruce Benedict did play in two All-Star Games in 1981 and 1983. That’s one more than Steve Swisher!
Without looking it up, who was Atlanta’s other catcher in 1985??
It was either Biff Pocoroba or Rick Cerone. I have an old brain and can’t remember which. Back in the day I knew pretty much all the Braves players but since free agency I can’t keep up with the rosters anymore! Bruce Benedict probably never had a threatening APBA card!
Ozzie Virgil?
Rick Cerone and Larry Owen
It was Rick Cerone. I had forgotten he played for the Braves. He played for 18 years and 1985 was his only year with Atlanta.
Terrible card for sure but it is always so great when a guy like this gets 2 hits in a game for you. It’s rare but I love that feeling when you look at the box score and see an Eggs Benedict 2-3 with a double, single, walk and a run scored.