As the MIAA Division 1 tournament looms, the Taunton High baseball squad finds itself riding a seven‑game winning streak, a run that has been anchored by senior first baseman Joey Benoit. The team’s recent surge is not just a product of raw talent but of a steady, focused approach that Benoit brings to every practice and game.
Benoit tops the team in nearly every offensive category — batting average, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage and OPS — yet he rarely dwells on those numbers. “I just try to enjoy the game,” he says, a mantra that has helped him stay grounded despite the spotlight.
Coach Blair Bourque has repeatedly praised Benoit’s hitting instincts and his ability to open up the infield. “When Joey is on base, our pitchers can trust the defense to make the quick throws,” Bourque notes, highlighting how Benoit’s presence at first base accelerates the team’s overall rhythm.
Leadership Beyond Numbers
Benoit’s influence stretches to the locker room, where his maturity and discipline set a tone for younger players. His teammates, including fellow seniors Corbin Melo, Dylan Keenan, Jeremy Knief, Nolan Harvey and others, often look to him for guidance, especially when the pressure mounts late in games.
One defining moment came on May 4, when Benoit launched a go‑ahead home run against Oliver Ames, turning a 6‑4 deficit into a 7‑6 victory. Earlier in the season he came within a hair’s breadth of a hit off projected 2026 MLB Draft first‑round pick Brody Bumila, underscoring his ability to compete with top talent.
The Tigers are now focused on extending their momentum as they head into the tournament. “We want to keep the culture we’ve built,” Benoit says, emphasizing that the team’s success is measured not just by wins but by the example they set for future players.