Clare Grant

Recent MLB Draftee Ben Simon Reflects On Time At Elon

8/9/2023 10:33:00 AM | By: by Joanna Dwyer, for Rising Phoenix

ELON, N.C. – Every time Ben Simon's name was announced over the speakers at Latham Park, Elon fans could breathe a sigh of relief. They knew their veteran closer would help close the door on opponents so the Phoenix could walk away with a win.

The New Jersey native grew to love baseball from a young age. Simon played both baseball and basketball but ultimately decided to pursue his talents on the diamond.

After learning about Elon University through showcases and conversations with the coaching staff, Simon committed and started attending the school in the fall of 2020.

"It was just that whole process of developing relationships with the coaches and them telling me about Elon," Simon said. "Then of course taking a visit down to see the beautiful campus that we have and then understanding what the coaches expected from me and what they saw in me. It was really not only seeing the program but the campus and the education Elon provided was why I chose it."

Simon became a force in the back of the Phoenix bullpen during his three years with the team. In 2023, he recorded his lowest ERA in his college career at 3.20. The righty tossed 25.1 innings in relief in 21 appearances. Simon served as the primary closer for Elon and recorded seven saves, including one in Elon's victory over then No. 2 ranked Wake Forest.

Whether it be on the mound or on the bus, Simon said he appreciated the three years he got to spend with his teammates.

"That was that whole aspect of having a bunch of great guys on the team that I became really close with," Simon said. "Obviously, the wins are awesome, but those are the moments I'll probably cherish the most."

It is not unusual for players to experience growing pains making the switch from high school to college athletics and Simon was no different. Simon said Elon baseball taught him that, although it may be difficult, he has to trust his work ethic and his abilities to get the job done.

"It took a lot of perspective to understand what I needed to do and what I was doing wrong," Simon said. "That was a big part of how I grew in understanding that not everything was the end of the world and understanding how I have to go about my business to be successful."

College athletics puts a spotlight on student athletes across the country, no matter the sport. The goal for some is to use their time at their university to help prepare them for the next level, which Simon said he did during his time at Elon.

"I've kind of learned how hard it is to be good at something, how hard it is to perform at your best and how you have to stay the course, be the same guy everyday, show up and really put forth your best effort as much as you can," Simon said. "It's a grind for everybody to do the same thing every day and continue to get better but you love what you do."

The 2023 Major League Baseball draft was held on July 9-11. Baseball players and their loved ones sit by their phones waiting to hear if their dreams will become a reality. On the third and final day of this year's draft, Simon got one of the coveted phone calls. Simon said he was grateful for the opportunity.

"It was definitely a surreal feeling, understanding that everything I've worked towards has come to this point where it is now," Simon said. "Obviously, there's still a lot of work to do, but this is a huge step in my process in terms of being a baseball player."

Simon was selected by the New York Mets in the 13th round with the 396th overall pick. For Simon, it took until the end of his junior year to become aware that he had a true chance of playing in the MLB.

"I had the confidence in myself that I could get drafted," Simon said. "It wasn't until late this year that it really started picking up steam and that teams were interested. Then, it looked like a real possibility. It was that first time that I really had that realization that wow I might actually be able to become a professional baseball player."

Simon said he's ready to be able to just focus on the sport not as a hobby, but as his job and see how he does against the game's top players.

"I'm looking forward to competing against the best and seeing where I stack up against guys who are regarded as the best in all the country and all the world," Simon said. "It's a very exciting feeling."

Although he will not get to be at Elon for his senior year, Simon said he appreciated the time he got to spend there.

"Elon will be three of the best years of my life," Simon said. "I couldn't ask for anything more of a college experience. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. It was everything I could ask for in a college in terms of baseball and academics and the people that I met and I would just say thank you to Elon because it truly was an incredible couple of years there and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world."

'Rising Phoenix' is a new student-led initiative to cover Elon Athletics. Through innovative content creation and storytelling, Elon University students will have the opportunity to highlight the moments, people and events that make an impact, leveraging the athletic department's various web and social media platforms for distribution. Interested in joining this initiative as a content creator (video, graphics, writing, storytelling, or more)? Contact Jacob Kisamore at jkisamore@elon.edu.

-- ELON --

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