Kouts’ Ben Finney Shines on the Baseball Field with Versatility and Leadership

Ben Finney, a sophomore at Kouts, has proven himself an invaluable player on the baseball field. Despite primarily playing center field in travel ball, he has showcased versatility across various positions for the Mustangs. Coach Jason Dorshorst highlights Finney’s ranking as one of the top shortstops in his class in the state. However, with Billy Miller and Landon Garrett already covering shortstop, Finney’s adaptability shines as he takes on other roles. Although pitching remains an option, the team is abundant in strong pitching arms. Finney initially played second base for two seasons before transitioning to right field for the playoffs.

When the decision was made to shift him to the outfield, Finney’s response was direct and exhibited readiness. “I don’t think I brought my outfielder’s glove today, but I’ll figure it out,” he expressed. He embraced the challenge, quickly proving himself in the new position. Coach Dorshorst praises him not only as a capable infielder but also as a versatile player who can perform well anywhere.

Aside from his field placements, Finney excels as a batter. Serving as the leadoff hitter for the top-ranked Mustangs, boasting a 31-1 record, he has achieved impressive stats, including a .366 batting average, two homers, a team-leading eight triples, 23 RBIs, 51 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases.

Finney’s recent performance against Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian was notable, going 3-for-3 with an inside-the-park homer, two triples, four RBIs, and three runs scored in a resounding 13-1 victory during the semistate final. Despite a slow start to the season, Finney credits additional practice reps for helping him regain form, boosting his confidence and effectiveness at bat.

Reflecting on his freshman year, Finney recounts a .412 batting average with 29 RBIs, 46 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. Motivated to prove his capabilities, he aimed to demonstrate his value to both coaches and teammates. His efforts quickly gained recognition from senior first baseman Eli Harper, who perceives Finney as an essential player who consistently exudes energy and commitment.

The Mustangs, who have claimed 31 consecutive victories following a season-opening loss, secured significant achievements, including their first outright Porter County Conference round-robin title in 19 years and their first PCC Tournament title since 1998.

This year, the team returns to the Class 1A state championship game, drawing from the lessons learned after their previous encounter at Victory Field. The experience has shaped their approach, fostering a determined mindset to seize victory. As Finney asserts, the team enters the contest with enhanced confidence and preparedness, reducing the impact of nerves compared to last year.