Inside Pitch: Since it sounds like you were taken by surprise, have you had a chance to learn a little more about the Mets farm system?

Hamilton Bennett: As of right now, I just know I'll start out in Brooklyn in the New York-Penn League. The scout said there's a good chance I'll start out there or I'll at least start out in Kingsport, either one. Other than that I don't know much, Kingsport wouldn't be too bad because it's only a little over an hour from where I went to school.

Inside Pitch: Despite your surprise at being drafted, how do you feel your days as amateur player set you up to make the jump to pro ball?

Hamilton Bennett: There are so many people I'd like to thank. I have to thank Tennessee Wesleyan for believing in me as a player when nobody else really did. I have to thank our coaches. Other than that, I think my amateur days went really well. I was a part of a winning program here and I enjoyed every day I spent with my team. Now it's a new chapter in my life with the Mets organization and living a childhood dream of playing professional baseball.   

Inside Pitch: Could you describe yourself as a pitcher? What kind of role do you see yourself fitting into?

Hamilton Bennett: I'm a left-handed pitcher and I've been told that I'm a power pitcher but I wouldn't think that of myself. I think I'm more of a finessee pitcher like Tom Glavine.  I've grown up watching tape on him and that's someone I've idolized growing up. I feel like I can hit my spots whenever I want all day.  I had only six walks this season. I'm not out of control with my stuff. I rely on my fastball and I'm going to go right after hitters with it until they prove they can hit it. That's the mentality I've had since I was a little kid. I'll keep going after hitters with it until they prove they can it. When they hit, I'll figure out other ways to get guys out. 

Inside pitch: You mentioned that you expect to be off to Brooklyn to start your career. Have you given any thought to where you could end up after Brooklyn and the prospects of one day playing in New York?

Hamilton Bennett: Everybody growing up playing baseball at some point thinks about playing for or against the Yankees, or playing in New York. New York is unbelievable baseball city. Even have the experience of just stepping on the field once in front of a huge New York crowd, following after all the Mets greats, at Citi field would be surreal. If my number one day gets called and I get a chance to pitch in front of thousands of faithful Mets fans, it'll be a monment I've got to soak in. Hopefully in the near future I could get a chance at that. 

Inside Pitch Magazine asked Bennett a few other questions which can be found on the website, www.insidepitchmagazine.com.  Thank you to Jon Star and Inside Pitch Magazine for sharing this story with Bulldog fans.