Testimonial Tuesday: Ben Sieracki

Date: 1-1-19
Graduation: 2020
Position: RHP

It is the finest of craftsmen that see the value of their work.  They hone their skills and relish every opportunity to better themselves.  So it is with 2020 right-handed pitcher Ben Sieracki of Rocky Mount High School.  Laboring for the long haul with the end in mind has been something that those paying attention to Sieracki have recognized.  In fact, Dirtbag GM Trey Daly has seen the development and notes, “Ben Sieracki is what the Dirtbags program is all about, buying into the process and achieving the goal of playing college baseball.” And surely, others have taken notice too, as Ben committed to the Elon University baseball program in October of 2018.

The work probably began to take shape long ago, but since being with the Dirtbags he’s noticed a difference in both what has been put in and what he’s gotten out of the process.  Joining the organization in the 7th grade, Sieracki says the last 4-5 years have enabled him to grow and build his game. And the relationship building isn’t lost on Sieracki either.  Ben summed it up with a simple line – “what better way to play baseball”. He also noted that the work by multiple coaches with the Dirtbags improved his ability to execute mechanics like staying back and working on pitch development like his off-speed stuff to counter his mid 80’s fastball and a “filthy” slider that has been up to 80 mph.

Because of his work ethic,  he has taken full advantage of his Dirtbag experience.  His genuine appreciation for these opportunities makes it easy to pull for a player of Ben Sieracki’s caliber.  These traits also played a role in bringing opportunities to Ben to play at the next level. He has the ability to recognize those who are working hard to help him. “Trey did an awesome job of letting coaches know and notifying colleges when I would be pitching.”  From those Dirtbag appearances to playing at college facilities in Impact Tournaments or national events like in Atlanta or Fort Myers, none of it seem to be taken for granted by the right-hander. He definitely soaks it all in.

Ben had a variety of factors involved in making the decision to continue his baseball career at Elon.  Of course the baseball part of the equation made sense as the Phoenix, led by Head Coach Mike Kennedy who enters his 23rd year at the helm, is coming off a 36-23 record out of the CAA and has routinely developed strong pitching staffs.  Sieracki is excited about these successes. He was impressed by the Elon coaching staff and their commitment to use technology to better their players. However, Ben also noted the beautiful campus, the personalities of the coaching staff and the recognition that his spiritual standards meshed well with the Elon baseball “family atmosphere”.  Sieracki mentions his devout religious beliefs several times in the interview and the confidence at which he speaks of his standards in this area are impressive.

But the work isn’t finished and neither are the expectations.  In attempts to get stronger, he works out before school and in a weight training class during the day.  And the competing is also non-stop. In addition to being one of the leaders of his school’s baseball team, he also performs on the swim team and represents in soccer too.  Despite already knowing Elon is his post-high school destination, Ben continues to set goals. With a lot coming back for his Gryphons of Rocky Mount this spring, Sieracki wants to help his teammates get past the 2nd round play-off exit they had in 2018. As for the Dirtbags, he emphatically stated he wants to win in Atlanta after making the Elite 8 with his team two years ago.  

If the successes of these teams have anything to do with the preparation of Ben Sieracki, then everyone else better get to work, because that what he’ll be doing.