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05/30/2019 12:00 AMWhether he’s legging out a ground ball or chasing down a laser into left, Ben Panagoulias approaches every play in a game with the utmost pride and passion. Ben’s knack for leading by example gave the Guilford baseball team a spark that sent the Indians on a surge through second half of their season this spring.
Ben is a senior captain who plays left field for Guilford. On the year, he’s sporting a .306 batting average to go with team-best totals of 16 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Most importantly, Ben helped the Indians persevere through a 1-5 start to finish with a record of 12-8 for regular-season play.
“I just keep practicing on my weaknesses, and I keep working on those things until the mechanics are perfected,” says Ben. “Since last year, I’ve settled in mentally a lot more. As far as physically, I just try to go to the weight room as much as I can all year-round, which helps me confidence-wise and on the field.”
Ben was more proficient with the lumber than the leather when he first suited up for the Indians. However, Ben is a workhorse who put in all the necessary reps in order to sharpen his skills in the outfield.
“At the start of high school, my defense lacked when compared to my offense,” Ben says. “I just keep giving my best with every rep in practice, and then I just grind out each of those reps.”
It’s mind over matter for Ben when it comes to producing at the plate. No matter what the opposing pitcher has in his arsenal, Ben believes that he’s going to find a way to get that critical hit.
“It’s just about going up there and thinking you are better than the guy on the mound throwing it to you,” says Ben, who will study biomedical engineering at Virginia Tech. “I just have to be aggressive and know I can get a hit in any spot.”
Head Coach Brian Hayden says that Ben features an even-keeled demeanor that helps him succeed in pressure-packed situations. Hayden adds that Ben is always ready and willing to do whatever is in the best interest of the Indians.
“Ben plays the game with tremendous poise. The moment never gets too big for him. He has a quiet confidence about him that doesn’t come across as selfish,” Hayden says. “Ben also has played exceptional defense all year for us in left field. His teammates and coaches really respect him, because he always puts the team first. Ben has had a great career at Guilford High School, but he has an even brighter future ahead of him.”
Ben’s offensive prowess was on display when he blasted a two-run homer that stood up as the difference is Guilford’s 4-2 win versus Hamden on May 14—a victory that clinched a spot in the SCC Tournament for the squad. The win came on the heels of a huge 5-4 triumph against perennial power Amity that gave everyone in the Indians’ dugout a big boost of confidence.
“One of the main problems at the start of the year was getting the guys to believe they could do this,” says Ben. “After our win over Amity, we showed we could do anything and beat anyone.”
Guilford is emphasizing that mindset as the team opens play in the Class L State Tournament this week. Ben says the most important thing for the Indians is to always stay in the moment no matter the circumstance.
“Our mentality is the same as it has been all season,” says Ben. “We have to play every game pitch by pitch. We have to stay solid on defense and not get ahead of ourselves.”