Benincasa was also a part of the 2004 Southwest Division champion team which won the first divisional title in Bonanza history since the league was established. From Bonanza, Benincasa signed and played for Western Texas College before heading to the College of the Siskiyous for a season. After batting .319 with 11 doubles and seven stolen bases en route to an All-Golden Valley Conference selection, Benincasa signed to play with Mississippi Valley State University, where he begins his first season this upcoming spring.

BonanzaBaseball.net recently spoke with Benincasa in a question-and-answer session. Benincasa was quick to answer questions ranging from his past to his future, proving once a Bengal, always a Bengal.

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1. You were a part of the first Southwest Division champions in Bonanza history in 2004. What did it mean to you then and now, more than three years later?

We had a great group of guys that year that all came together and believed in each other. It really set the stage for the next few years to come and it was the first time that I really felt part of a team. There were no single standouts, we all were behind each other and believed just as much in the guy to the right as the one to the left.

2. You are far from Las Vegas, what did playing for Bonanza prepare you for before you left for college?

Living in a big city really allowed me to experience all different aspects of people and situations. Once I left home I was truly prepared for most of the situations thrown my way.

3. What's been the biggest difference from high school and college baseball? Why?

I know it’s said all the time, but at the next level the game really does speed up, and you are now playing against the “good” to “great” players from every team, the competition level takes a big stride. 

4. You were essentially the 'big brother' to the senior-laden 2006 team that went to the regional championship. What kind of knowledge and advice would you give to this year's team that essentially resembles that team in a lot of ways?  

 From what I’ve seen, this year’s team seems like another great bunch of guys who have a lot of chemistry just like my group did. Coinciding with a great group of athletes, being so close was truly what I believe took the 2006 team so far. 

5. You've known a few of the current Bonanza players since they were little. What has it meant to you to see them grow into young men and varsity players?

It really is awesome to see some of these guys that I’ve known for so long come into their own and really stand out. Every year since I have been apart of the Bengals and, thereafter, the coaching staff and the players have not only been great athletes, but great people too.

6. You were a position player heading into the summer of your senior season, lacking much pitching experience. You were a major factor on the mound for Bonanza your senior season. What, do you think, contributed to your quick growth on the mound?

I think the biggest key for my success on the mound was confidence. With the help of Coach Stafford, Fiddler, and (coach Mike) Bauder, I was quickly able to pick up some of the essentials for getting outs and working quickly. Another key factor was having all my teammates behind me, it really made me feel comfortable out there and confident in myself.

7. This program preaches family. What does it mean to you to be a part of this family, even three years after you played your final inning in a Bengal uniform? What is your fondest memory of playing in this program?

I am still very close with all of my teammates from when I played and truly feel like they are apart of my family. We still spend holidays together and constantly stay in touch. It’s hard to pick just one great memory from the program, as there were so many, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d have to say either Jake Danneffel ('06) accidentally throwing his bat into our dugout while in the on deck circle, or pretty much anything coming out of Ross MacDonald’s ('06) or Jaiven Estrada’s ('04) mouth.

 8. What would you say is the biggest change in your game and yourself since you've left Bonanza?

I’ve definitely matured a lot mentally and physically over these past few years. I am also very confident in my abilities and what I can accomplish on the field. Another big improvement is my work ethic, off the field I have limited distractions and have really tried to get myself in good shape for baseball.

9. You've played in Texas (Western Texas CC) and in northern California. Now you are headed to Mississippi, so what do you expect in the new environment?

I think the biggest change I’m going to experience is the caliber of baseball players. Although I played in a very talented conference in Texas, I don’t think you can compare junior college baseball to a Division-I program. I know we have a very tough schedule, but I am excited for the challenge and I am working hard now, so that in the next few years I can really prove what I am capable of to scouts, my friends, family and, most importantly, myself.

10. If you could give any words of advice or wisdom to this new crop of athletes, what would it be?

High school baseball was one of the best experiences I have ever had and am so proud I was surrounded by such amazing and influential people. I hope these younger athletes realize the opportunity they have been given and really take advantage of it. Most don’t realize it at that age and I can’t say that I truly did either, but work as hard as you can now towards your goals, you’ll have the rest of your life to party, give yourself the best chance to succeed!