More Than Just Baseball: The Musical Bond of Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing
In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. For Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, two rising stars for the New York Mets, the secret to staying grounded isn’t found in a playbook or a weight room—it’s found in the strings of a guitar.
While fans know them as top-of-the-order hitters fighting for every inch on the field, these two teammates share a unique bond that transcends the game: a deep-rooted love for music.
From Virtual Strings to Real Chords: Carson Benge’s Journey
For Carson Benge, the guitar wasn’t always a primary passion. His journey into music began during one of the most challenging periods of an athlete’s career: rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery during college. To combat the boredom and mental fatigue of recovery, Benge first dove into the world of Guitar Hero.
However, the digital simulation wasn’t enough. Benge soon transitioned to a real instrument, quickly becoming a proficient player by experimenting with a wide array of genres. His commitment to the craft is even etched into his skin, with a guitar tattoo on the back of his arm serving as a permanent reminder of his creative outlet.
A Family Legacy: The Roots of A.J. Ewing
Unlike Benge, A.J. Ewing’s introduction to music happened at a formative age. At just five or six years old, Ewing was influenced by his stepfather, Tom Hawkinson, who performed as John Lennon in a Beatles cover band known as The Sweet Beats.
Through formal lessons from Hawkinson and countless hours of YouTube tutorials, Ewing built a solid musical foundation. Although baseball eventually took center stage in his life, leading him to put the guitar aside for years, his reunion with Carson Benge helped reignite that dormant passion.
Clubhouse Jam Sessions and Musical Contrasts
The chemistry between the two players is evident both on the field and in the clubhouse. During a road trip to San Diego, the pair spent their downtime passing guitars back and forth, turning the visiting clubhouse into a makeshift studio.
Their musical tastes are as diverse as their playing styles:
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- The Range: Their repertoire spans everything from the pop hooks of Justin Bieber to the heavy riffs of Metallica (with Ewing favoring the classic “Fade to Black”).
- The Technique: While Ewing describes himself as a “strummer,” Benge is known for his “picking” style, adding a layer of melodic complexity to their jam sessions.
The Mental Game: Music as a Reprieve
While Benge and Ewing are fierce competitors on the diamond, they make it clear that music is not a competition. Instead, it serves as a vital mental health tool. In an industry defined by statistics, scouting reports, and nightly pressure, the guitar offers a calming sanctuary.
“I’d say it’s pretty calming,” Ewing noted, emphasizing that the ability to recreate a song they love provides a sense of peace and fun that balances the intensity of professional sports.
As Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing continue to make their mark in the National League, it’s clear that their harmony off the field is just as important as their performance on it.
