David Benney

Career Overview

Dave “DB” Benney competed from 1999 through 2019 and built a reputation as one of the premier shortstops and defensive leaders of his era. Over 20 NBBA World Series appearances, missing only 2003, he anchored defenses for multiple franchises and consistently ranked among the league’s elite in putouts.

He played for the Fastar Comet and Chicago Comets from 1999 through 2001 and again in 2009 and 2010. He was a key member of the Indy Thunder in 2002, 2004, 2006 through 2008, and 2013 through 2014. He competed with the Chicago Bluffs in 2005, RHI Xtreme from 2011 through 2012 and in 2015, and the San Antonio Jets from 2016 through 2019.

Across two decades, DB’s presence at shortstop became synonymous with defensive intensity and vocal leadership.

World Series Defensive Excellence

Dave earned six World Series Defensive All Star honors, including one Defensive MVP award.

• 2001 Defense, 5.000 putout average, 35 putouts
• 2002 Defense, 4.571 putout average, 32 putouts
• 2004 Defense, 6.500 putout average, 26 putouts
• 2006 Defense, 4.670 putout average, 42 putouts
• 2007 Defensive MVP, 8.000 putout average, 56 putouts
• 2013 Defense, 5.875 putout average, 47 putouts

His 56 putouts in 2007 while playing for the Indy Thunder remains one of the most dominant defensive performances in World Series history.

Between 1999 and 2019, he recorded double digit putouts in 14 of 20 World Series appearances. His career World Series putout average of 3.36 ranks among the top shortstops in league history.

World Series Statistical Profile

While best known for defense, DB contributed offensively when needed, including a .593 performance in 2012 with RHI Xtreme and a .520 mark in 2015.

His value consistently came from run prevention, field control, and defensive communication.

Tournament All Star Recognition

DB’s defensive dominance extended beyond the World Series stage.

Viper Classic, Columbus, OH

• 2000, 22 putouts, tied for second
• 2001, 24 putouts, second best
• 2002, 14 putouts, third best

Bolingbrook Lions Beep Baseball Bash

• 2004 Defense MVP, 30 putouts
• 2007 Defense MVP, 25 putouts
• 2011 Offense, .615 BA
• 2012 Defense, 10 putouts
• 2013 Defense, 19 putouts

Indy Beep Ball Bonanza Tournament

• 2014 Defense, 14 putouts, second best
• 2015 Defense, 14 putouts, second best

These performances reinforce his standing as a defensive specialist who elevated tournament play at every level.

Leadership and Reputation

DB was nominated by Richie Schultz, Mike McGloshon, and Christina Smerz, all of whom helped verify his tournament statistics.

According to Mike McGloshon, Dave earned the nickname “DB” during his time with the Comets because another Hall of Famer, Dave Smolka, was already on the roster. To avoid confusion, Benney became “DB,” a name that stuck throughout his career.

He was described as one of the best shortstops in the game. His highlight catches, defensive positioning, and vocal communication set the tone for his teams. His confident on field presence often pressured opposing hitters into mistakes and strikeouts.

Legacy

From 1999 through 2019, Dave Benney was a defensive anchor across multiple championship caliber programs. His 383 career World Series putouts, six Defensive All Star selections, and a Defensive MVP performance with 56 putouts in 2007 establish him as one of the most impactful defensive players of his generation.

Submitted June 1, 2023 by the Hall of Fame Committee, his career stands as a model of defensive excellence, intensity, and leadership at the highest level of beep baseball competition.