Mr. Benson's awards
punctuate his athletic achievements. Mr. Benson excelled at playing key roles in team
sports. He was quarterback of the football team, captain of the basketball team, pitcher
of the baseball team, and weight class champion in Montgomery College's third Annual
Boxing Tournament.For 10 years, Mr. Benson played baseball in D.C. and Maryland. He
pitched against the best sandlot and semipro players in the area. During this time, he
played basketball with the "Montgomery Stars," a group of ex-college and high
school stars who roamed a three-state area, taking on all comers in exhibitions and
tournaments.
At age 32, Mr. Benson played in the Montgomery County Class "A" fast pitch
softball league. He won the league batting championship with a .542 average and was named
to the All-Star team.
Mr. Benson devoted his post-athletic years to working with and encouraging his six
children to develop their athletic talents. Athletics, he wrote, would help his children
to be the best that they could be.
Mr. Benson inspired not only his children to excel, but also coached young athletes in
various recreation centers for many years.
