Andy Benes
                         Andy Benes was the first player picked in the 1988 draft, a college
                         pitcher from the University of Evansville. He was certainly no secret, a
                         dominating college arm with improving command. He went 16-3 with a
                         1.42 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 146 innings for Evansville. Most scouts
                         expected him to be ready for the major leagues within one year,
                         projecting him as a rotation anchor in the Roger Clemens mode. He
                         would be a Grade A- prospect at a minimum, certainly regarded as one
                         of the top five pitching prospects in the game, maybe even the best one
                         overall depending on how concerned you were about the fact that he
                         signed too late to post pro numbers in '88.
                         Benes began his pro career by going 8-4, 2.16 in 16 starts for
                         Double-A Wichita in 1989, with a 115/39 K/BB ratio. He posted a
                         rough 8.10 ERA in five starts after a promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas,
                         but the Pads were undeterred, and he entered the major league rotation
                         in the second half, going 6-3, 3.51 with a 66/31 K/BB in 67 innings.
                         Benes had a long and successful major league career, going 155-139
                         with a 3.97 ERA in 2505 innings. Injuries drug him down, his career
                         over by age 35, but certainly this was a first pick, Grade A/A- prospect
                         who made good.
Andy Benes:
"Playing in the major leagues was a privilege. It brought meaningful memories into my life and a chance to be involved in many significant relationships in and out of the game. Early in my career I had the opportunity to have the most meaningful relationship ever offered. In 1989 I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and He has changed my life. It is a great privilege to be called one of His children. The Bible states, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12). Walking and talking with Jesus is a lifelong process. He has given me a new approach to life. I now try to the best of my ability to represent Him on and off the playing field. I have a strong desire to serve Him, share Him, and live for Him. I want people to see Jesus in me on and off the field."