Marvin Benard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marvin Benard |
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Benard in 2018
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: January 20, 1970 Bluefields, Nicaragua |
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| debut | |||
| September 5, 1995, for the San Francisco Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 27, 2003, for the San Francisco Giants | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .271 | ||
| Home runs | 54 | ||
| Runs batted in | 260 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
Marvin Larry Benard (born January 20, 1970) is a former professional baseball player from Nicaragua. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants. After his playing career, he became a baseball manager. He even managed the Nicaraguan national team. He also led the Gigantes de Rivas team in the 2024 Caribbean Series.
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Marvin Benard's Baseball Journey
Early Life and Family
Marvin Benard moved to Los Angeles with his parents when he was 12 years old. He played baseball in high school. After that, he attended several colleges. These included El Camino College, L.A. Harbor Junior College, and Lewis-Clark State College.
Marvin's son, Isaac, also became a baseball player. He was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2016 baseball draft. Isaac played for the Princeton Rays team. Marvin is also a cousin of the actor, Maurice Benard.
Playing in the Major Leagues
Marvin Benard played for the San Francisco Giants from 1995 to 2003. He was a regular starter for the team from 1999 to 2001. In 1999, he received the Willie Mac Award. This award is given for a player's spirit and leadership.
Marvin was known for hitting the ball hard. He could also steal bases. He played in all three outfield positions, but mostly as a center fielder. He hit the very last home run for the San Francisco Giants at their old stadium, Candlestick Park.
After leaving the Giants in 2003, Benard signed with the Chicago White Sox. However, he was released before the season began. He then played one season for the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league team, the Syracuse Chiefs.
After His Playing Days
After retiring from playing, Marvin Benard became a coach. In 2015, he worked as a hitting coach for the San Diego Padres' minor league team, the Tri-City Dust Devils. In 2016, he managed the Nicaragua national baseball team.
Today, he works as a color commentator for the Giants' Spanish-language radio broadcasts. He helps explain the games to listeners.
In 2024, Benard managed the Gigantes de Rivas team. This team won the Nicaraguan Professional Baseball League. He led them in the 2024 Caribbean Series.
