Vern Benson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Vern Benson’s name might not ring out in baseball history like some of his peers, but his journey through Major League Baseball paints a fascinating picture of a dedicated player who ultimately discovered his real calling off the field. Born and raised in North Carolina, he played his last MLB game on May 30, 1953, for the St. Louis Cardinals. That marked the end of a modest, yet meaningful, playing career that stretched across five seasons.

Benson’s playing days were brief, but they set him up for a remarkable second act in baseball. He spent over three decades as a coach, manager, and scout. Sure, his batting average was just .202 with three home runs in 104 at-bats, but what really stood out was his deep understanding of the game. Baseball executives noticed his natural leadership, and they leaned on his expertise.

When you look closer at Benson’s life, you see how a player’s impact can stretch far beyond personal stats. From his early days in Granite Quarry to coaching championship teams, Benson’s story proves that baseball success comes in many forms. Sometimes, the most important contributions happen away from the spotlight.

Early Life and Background

Vernon Adair Benson grew up in a working-class North Carolina family in 1924. His Swedish and Irish heritage shaped his early years.

His athletic talents showed up during high school. He attended Catawba College, where he set records and caught the eye of professional scouts.

Birthplace and Family

Vernon Adair Benson was born on September 19, 1924, in Granite Quarry, North Carolina. He came from a hardworking family with Swedish and Irish roots.

His dad, William Luther Benson, worked as a brickmason, providing steady income with skilled hands. His mom, Ruth Elizabeth Foster, ran the household and raised the kids.

Vern had one brother, William Luther Jr., who later became an accountant. The family stayed close to their North Carolina community.

The Benson household valued hard work and dedication. Those lessons stuck with Vern as he moved into his baseball career.

His parents encouraged his athletic interests, but they made sure he knew the importance of commitment and perseverance.

Education and Catawba College

Benson attended Granite Quarry High School, playing both baseball and basketball. His athletic abilities stood out during those years.

After graduation, he enrolled at Catawba College in Salisbury in 1942. At Catawba, he focused on baseball and quickly left his mark.

He set several school records, including a streak of 16 games with a run scored. That run showed his consistency and ability to help his team.

Decades later, his college performance still got recognition. The Catawba Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 1978. That honor spoke to his lasting impact at the school.

Early Baseball Influences

During World War II, Benson played for the Salisbury Aggies in the Carolina Victory League after his sophomore year. That local semipro circuit gave young players a shot during wartime.

Ira Thomas, a former Philadelphia Athletics player, scouted the Victory League for the team. When Athletics owner and manager Connie Mack looked at young prospects from Catawba College, Benson stood out.

Mack offered a contract only to Benson. He signed with the Philadelphia Athletics on July 29, 1943, at just 18. That move meant he never finished his college degree—he chased his baseball dreams instead.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Vern Benson played in the MLB from 1943 to 1953 for the Philadelphia Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, appearing in five seasons. World War II interrupted his professional journey, and that really impacted his development as a player.

Debut with the Philadelphia Athletics

Benson made his MLB debut on July 31, 1943, with the Philadelphia Athletics. He was just 18.

Connie Mack, the legendary manager, signed the young player from Granite Quarry. Benson’s first stint with the Athletics was short. He played in only two games against the Chicago White Sox, going hitless in two pinch-hit appearances.

The timing was tough for baseball. Many established players had left for military service, so younger prospects like Benson got their shot.

Military Service and Impact on Career

World War II soon pulled Benson away from the game. Like most young men then, he served in the military.

This service kept him from developing his skills during critical early years. The break lasted from 1943 until 1946, when he returned to the Athletics.

Missing those years really affected his baseball development. He lost valuable time to refine his game at the pro level.

Return to MLB and St. Louis Cardinals

Benson came back to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1946 for another chance. Still, his second stint with the team was brief and didn’t go well.

The St. Louis Cardinals gave him a better shot. He joined their system and played 46 games for the big league club between 1951 and 1953.

His best season came in 1951 with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Red Birds. He batted .308 with 18 home runs and 89 RBIs, showing what he could do in the minors.

Role and Performance as 3B

Benson mostly played third base and outfield. He batted left-handed, threw right-handed, stood 5’11”, and weighed 180 pounds.

His MLB stats were modest—55 games, 104 at-bats, a .202 average, three home runs, and 12 RBIs across five seasons.

He found his groove in the Cardinals’ farm system, sticking around as a player-manager with the Rochester Red Wings and Columbus Red Birds.

Benson’s playing career ended in 1953 after his last MLB appearance on May 30 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Vern Benson’s MLB career lasted five seasons from 1943 to 1953. He posted a .202 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs over 55 games. He played for both the Philadelphia Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals.

Batting and Fielding Stats

Benson appeared in 55 MLB games, collecting 118 plate appearances and 104 at-bats. He tallied 21 hits, 5 doubles, and 1 triple.

His best offensive season came in 1951 with the Cardinals. That year, he hit .261 with 12 hits in 46 at-bats. He also reached his highest on-base percentage at .346.

Defensively, Benson played mostly third base and left field. He spent 24 games at third with a .911 fielding percentage, handling 56 total chances, making 6 putouts and 45 assists.

In the outfield, he played 6 games in left and kept a .933 fielding percentage.

Home Runs and RBI Highlights

Benson’s power numbers stayed modest. He hit three home runs—two of them in 1952 with St. Louis.

His RBI production peaked in 1951, when he drove in seven. That season was his most productive offensively, as he racked up 12 RBIs for his career.

He scored 17 runs in his MLB tenure, with a high of eight in 1951. He never stole a base in the majors.

That 1951 season really stood out. In just 13 games, he hit a home run, drove in seven, and scored eight runs.

Notable Games and Contributions

Benson debuted in the MLB on July 31, 1943, at age 18 with the Philadelphia Athletics. He was one of the youngest players in the league that year.

His last game came on May 30, 1953, against the Milwaukee Braves. He spent his final three seasons only with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 1951 season was his most significant in the majors. He played in 13 games and gave the team steady performance at the plate and in the field.

Benson’s versatility helped him play multiple positions. He covered both corner infield and outfield, giving managers some lineup flexibility.

Transition to Coaching and Management

After his playing days ended in 1953, Benson moved into coaching and management roles that lasted for decades. He started as a player-manager in 1956 and later became a respected coach with the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. He also took on short-term roles as an interim manager.

Minor League Management Success

Benson began managing in 1956 with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the Northern League. He worked as a player-manager for three years, gradually playing less each season.

His playing days ended in 1959 with the Tulsa Oilers. From 1956 to 1961, he managed several minor league teams, learning leadership along the way.

His biggest minor league success came later with the Syracuse Chiefs in 1978 and 1979. The team struggled in his first year, going 50-90. But in 1979, Benson led the Chiefs to second place in the International League.

That season ended with a dramatic Governor’s Cup playoff run. The Chiefs pushed all the way to Game Seven against Columbus, losing in the ninth inning. The Sporting News named Benson Minor League Manager of the Year for that turnaround.

Coaching with Major League Teams

Benson joined the St. Louis Cardinals coaching staff on July 6, 1961, at the request of manager Johnny Keane. Keane had managed Benson in the minors back in 1949.

He served as third-base coach and played a key role in the Cardinals’ 1964 World Series championship. During the Series against the Yankees, Benson’s sharp eye caught Whitey Ford’s illegal ball doctoring, and he told Lou Brock to ask for new baseballs.

After 1964, Benson followed Keane to the New York Yankees. He didn’t like the situation in New York, and when Keane was fired in May 1966, Benson left too. He bounced between three organizations in 1966 before settling with the Cincinnati Reds as third-base coach under Dave Bristol through 1969.

He returned to the Cardinals in 1970 and stayed on Red Schoendienst’s coaching staff through 1975. In 1976, he joined Dave Bristol again as third-base coach for the Atlanta Braves.

Interim Manager Roles

Benson’s official major league managerial record covers just one game, but the story is wild. On May 11, 1977, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner removed Dave Bristol during a 16-game losing streak and tried to manage the team himself.

The National League quickly forced Turner out after one game. Benson stepped in on May 12, 1977, and snapped the losing streak with a win. Bristol came back the next day.

During his time with Bristol, Benson often served as acting manager when Bristol was suspended. “When you’re with Dave Bristol you get a lot of chances to manage,” Benson once joked.

Those interim roles gave him experience handling pressure and veteran players. That experience proved valuable throughout his coaching career.

Legacy and Personal Life

Vern Benson’s impact on baseball went way beyond his playing stats. He became a respected teacher and mentor, influencing generations of players.

He kept strong family ties throughout his life and always stayed close to his North Carolina roots. His legacy in professional baseball still lingers, even if his name doesn’t always make the headlines.

Influence on Baseball

Benson made his biggest mark on baseball by teaching and mentoring others. Even though he only hit .202 in 104 major league at-bats, he turned into one of the sport’s most respected instructors.

He had a strong philosophy about utility players. “For a man who wants to stay in baseball, being a utilityman is the best training he can get,” Benson said back in 1968. He figured bench players could study every part of the game better than the starters.

Bob Gibson probably gave the most heartfelt testimony to Benson’s influence as a teacher. After retiring, the Hall of Fame pitcher sent Benson a thank-you note and credited their time together in Puerto Rico during the 1961-62 winter season.

Benson’s strategic advice helped the Cardinals win the 1964 World Series. He tipped off Lou Brock about Whitey Ford’s ball-doctoring tricks and suggested some key timing decisions that led to game-winning plays.

Post-Retirement Activities

After he wrapped up his playing days in 1953, Benson stayed involved in baseball for more than forty years. He coached for 18 seasons in the majors, working with teams like the Cardinals, Yankees, Reds, and Braves.

He managed in the minors for eight and a half seasons and spent seven years in winter ball. Benson led teams in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, winning championships in several leagues.

His personal life stayed rooted in North Carolina. He married Rachael Lyerly Benson in 1946, and they remained together for 61 years until her passing in 2008.

They had three children: Bonnie, Robin, and Vernon Randall.

Benson kept scouting until 1996, staying active in the game until he was 72. He lived in Granite Quarry or nearby Salisbury for his whole life, never really leaving his home turf.

Retirement and Later Years

Vernon Adair Benson’s playing career ended in 1953, but he just kept finding new ways to contribute to baseball. He moved from player to coach, then manager, and finally scout, spending more than 40 years in professional baseball.

Retirement in 1953

Benson played his last Major League game on May 30, 1953, for the St. Louis Cardinals. His MLB career was brief, spanning five seasons over a decade and totaling just 55 games.

He finished with a .202 batting average in 104 at-bats. He also hit three home runs and drove in 12 runs.

Benson achieved much more success in the minor leagues. His standout season came in 1951 with the Columbus Red Birds, when he batted .308 with 18 homers and 89 RBIs.

The Cardinals organization really valued his baseball knowledge and leadership. Those strengths served him well after his playing days.

Life After Baseball

Benson jumped straight into management within the Cardinals system. He took over as manager of the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the Class C Northern League in 1956.

His success as a manager got him promoted to major league coach in 1961. He joined the Cardinals coaching staff under manager Johnny Keane on July 6, 1961.

Coaching Career Highlights:

• St. Louis Cardinals (1961-1964, 1970-1975)
• New York Yankees (1965-1966)
• Cincinnati Reds (1966-1969)
• Atlanta Braves (1976-1977)
• San Francisco Giants (1980)

Benson won a World Series ring as a Cardinals coach in 1964. He followed Keane to the Yankees in 1965, but left when Keane was fired in 1966.

He even managed the Atlanta Braves for one game in 1977 during a pretty odd situation. Owner Ted Turner managed a game but got banned by the National League, so Benson stepped in and won his only game as interim manager, 6-1 over Pittsburgh.

Commemoration and Passing

After he wrapped up his on-field career, Benson headed back to the Cardinals and took on a scouting role. He stayed close to baseball in his later years, never really stepping away from the sport.

Benson found success as a minor league manager. He won three playoff championships—one each with Winnipeg in 1957, Tulsa in 1960, and Syracuse in 1979.

Vernon Adair Benson passed away on January 20, 2014, at age 89 in Salisbury, North Carolina. He spent more than forty years living and breathing baseball.

His career really followed that classic baseball arc, moving from player to coach to manager. Even though his playing stats weren’t eye-popping, his impact on the game reached far beyond his short stint in the majors.