Jimmy Benson Shines in Perfect Game Performance

St. Laurence High School’s Jimmy Benson has emerged as a standout athlete in multiple sports. Approximately 18 months ago, he began his journey into golf, testing his skills by joining his school’s team. However, it is on the baseball mound where the 6-foot-8 left-hander truly excels.

Benson’s primary focus remains on baseball. “Every time I’m on the mound, my aim is to not let anyone on base,” Benson remarked. On one memorable Saturday, he executed this flawlessly, achieving a perfect game. He struck out five opponents, leading the Vikings to a 5-0 victory over Oak Lawn during the Class 4A St. Laurence Regional final in Burbank.

The victory brought St. Laurence to a record of 35-2. They now prepare to face Mount Carmel, who hold a 27-10 record, in an upcoming sectional semifinal. Supporting Benson’s efforts were junior catcher Tristan Steger with a two-run double, and senior infielder Mickey Lotus, who executed a pivotal RBI bunt single and later stole home on a daring move.

Meanwhile, Oak Lawn’s pitchers Hamza Abdelfattah and Eli Kulpinski combined efforts, delivering four strikeouts but conceding only one hit until the sixth inning. It was then that St. Laurence broke through with a decisive four-run lead.

Benson’s outstanding performance improved his season record to 7-1. This was his second career no-hitter, the first being a 9-0 triumph over Mount Carmel in May 2025. His control over the ball was evident, as 58 of his 84 pitches were strikes.

Coach Pete Lotus praised Benson, observing, “When Jimmy’s hitting his spots, he’s unbeatable. His presence is a huge advantage.” Off the field, Benson is known for his fun-loving demeanor, which shifts to intense focus during games.

There’s always that level of confidence when Jimmy’s pitching.

Benson’s catcher, Steger, highlighted the confidence the team has in him, adding, “From the moment we start, we know it’s going to be a tough day for the opposition.” In his performance against Oak Lawn, Benson rarely reached a three-ball count. He concluded the game acknowledging the difficulty opponents face when dealing with his pitch movements.

In addition to baseball, Benson participated in basketball during his youth. Given his considerable height and skill, the choice to pursue a future in baseball became clear. Reflecting on his development, Benson recalled towering over peers even as a child and anticipated his potential as a pitcher.

Looking back on the season, Benson felt content finally achieving a perfect game. “It means a lot,” he shared, “but more importantly, we’ve secured the win and can continue progressing.”