We’re back this week with another installment of our interview series “Due Diligence.”
I had the privilege to speak with 2009 Draft Pick Gus Benusa, about the first year of professional ball what it’s like to join the Giants straight out of high school. Gus is going to be a great player for the Giants as you can tell by his work ethic, his drive for success, and his love for the game. You’ll want to keep tabs on him as he rises through the system.
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AZG: Gus, thanks again for spending some time answering some questions for the site. To start, You absolutely tore it up in high school batting .638….638?!! What was your approach in hitting, and what was it like to have scouts following you every game?
Benusa - I never worried about my average during the season. I went up to bat with the mind-set that there wasn’t a single player on the other team that was going to get me out. Other than that, I would just relax and see the ball. There’s not much too it. The first time I saw a major league scout was halfway through my senior year. I’ve never seen a pro scout before then and playing in front of them made me kinda nervous. By the end of the season, I was used to seeing all the strangers with clipboards watching my every move.
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AZG: You were selected by the Giants in the 8th round of last year’s draft. Knowing you were a highly touted prospect and could go anywhere at anytime, did you have an idea the Giants were going to pick you? When you got the call, what was your reaction?
Benusa - I knew the Giants were definitely interested in me and I’m glad they picked me up. It’s an honor to be apart of this organization. I was following the draft online and watched my name selected and called. It felt like I was in a dream for a good five minutes before I got a call from my area scout telling me it was true.
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AZG: How hard or easy was the decision to forgoe your scholarship to Duquense and sign with the Giants?
Benusa - I knew I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now. Getting an education is very important but it can wait until I’m done.
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AZG: Having half a season and instructs under your belt, what is one thing about the Giants organization or MiLB that you have been impressed with?
Benusa - I was really impressed with the coaching. I’ve never had so much access to so many people with so much knowledge for the game. Talking and gaining knowledge for the game is even more important than working on your skills.
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AZG: Can you speak to the level of competition in the rookie league and the adjustment to playing baseball for a living?
Benusa - There’s no comparison between the level of competition in high school to the pros. It’s a completely different ballgame, especially coming from Western PA. As for the adjustment, I got used to it pretty quickly. I love playing baseball every day and getting better. I don’t think of it as a job.
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AZG: In June you got to put on a uniform with the name Giants across the chest, a feeling of accomplishment, surreal?
Benusa - Coming from a small town I’ve never known anyone in the pros. I’ve heard of a couple kids in my area getting drafted in the later rounds and not signing. So when I put on a jersey with the Giants name on it, I feel very accomplished; even though I haven’t accomplished anything yet in my pro career. I’ll really feel like i made it when I can put on my Giants jersey and walk out on the field in San Francisco.
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AZG: What kind of hitter would you describe yourself as?
Benusa - I feel like I’m still becoming the hitter I’m supposed to be. I’m constantly working and improving my swing and changing things. I’m a great all around hitter in the making.
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AZG: Last year, you batted over 100 points higher against LHP… you bat LH, is there anything to that or is it just a small sample size?
Benusa - Most likely it was due to a small sample size but I know most lefty hitters struggle with southpaws. I don’t feel like I have any less success against them. The ball’s gotta come across the same plate no matter where its thrown from.
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AZG: What was it like switching to a wood bat for you, is it a big adjustment for your swing?
Benusa - It wasn’t a big deal for me. I’ve been using wood in batting cages for a couple years so switching over completely wasn’t too bad.
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AZG: Was there anything specific in Instructs that you were trying to work on / train for?
Benusa - I don’t think there was one thing i didn’t work on in Instructs. Everything from training my eyes to watch the ball deeper in the zone by reading a number on a tennis ball shot at 120 mph, to working on my throwing mechanics in the outfield so my ball doesn’t tail. My first day at Instructs, we all were bunting and i deflected a pitch straight into my face knocking two teeth into the back of my mouth. A couple days later i was back on the horse and for the rest of the month I really worked on my bunting technique.
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AZG: You recently had a chance to fly up to SF and conduct a condition camp at ATT Park. Had you been to the yard before, and what was it like walking on to the field, knowing that the goal is to play on it?
Benusa - That was my first time being at AT&T Park and as soon as you walk in you realize why it’s the best park in all baseball. It’s insanely cool with the field right on the Bay. I knew if I could come to work everyday to this place I’d be the luckiest guy alive. Being in San Francisco really showed me what im working for.
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AZG: You play centerfield… Willie Mays is the best centerfielder in MLB history. Willie stopped by to talk to the players in SF. What was it like to meet him, and was there any specific advice for you?
Benusa - Meeting Willie Mays was surreal. I’ll never forget it. He’s the best player to ever play the game and he’ll tell you himself! No specific advice but it was great to meet a legend.
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AZG: The off season is here, what is the plan to get ready for spring training?
Benusa - The plan is to get in the cage everyday to work on my swing. On top of that I’m hitting the gym hard putting on weight while also working on my speed. Goal is to be around 205 and be even quicker than i was before.
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AZG: Is there anything you’d like to tell the fans?
Benusa - My real name is Karl but i’ve never been called anything other than Gus. I’m excited for the fans to get to know me and I’m going to work as hard as possible to get to San Francisco. Also, if any fans wanted to get to know me more or had any other questions I’d love to answer them, just look me up on Facebook.
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For more coverage of Gus, check out some of the shots from Instructional league over on the photostream in Flickr.
