RIP, Moby Benedict
Hadn't seen this poster yet. An absolutely legendary Michigan man in every way, Moby passed away on April 9 at age 87. He played here and won a national championship as both a player and a coach. He became the head coach of the baseball team in 1963 at the age of 27, leading the team to three College World Series. He coached a bunch of future Major Leaguers, including Rick Leach and Lary Sorenson. He retired after 17 seasons and then became the head of U-M's intramural sports department.
That's when I met him. I started reffing IM basketball games in college and Moby's the one who hired and trained me. Nicest, most humble guy ever.
Here's the obituary. RIP, Moby.
R.I.P. Moby
Moby in action. RIP, Moby Benedict...
incidentally, that is what a baseball uniform should look like. the spandex t-shirts that many teams wear, yech.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:51 AM ^
And pants that ended about where the knee is, with proper stirrups from the knee to the foot. Those long floppy pants that cover the tops of the spikes are an abomination and should be banned.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:56 AM ^
A large portion of the population might disagree with you... ;P
— 🍪 (@PadresGeekster) April 11, 2022
April 12th, 2022 at 12:05 PM ^
the uniform crimes code was regularly triggered:
Heinous.
Crimes against baseball humanity.
I once received an intramural award from him in the IM Building.... remembered his unique name after all these years. Was a great character and member of our M family...... RIP MOBY.
Thanks for posting. RIP Moby.
"the only athlete in Michigan history to both play and coach on a national championship team.
(Another fun fact: Moby won the singles National Paddleball Championship in 1965 and later, would frequently stun countless opponents by spotting them 20 points and then beating them using only a Clorox bleach bottle as a paddle!)".
April 12th, 2022 at 10:27 AM ^
Fun fact? Sounds like a legendary story of legends of old! (insert Jack Black/Kung Fu Panda voice over)
RIP Moby!
April 12th, 2022 at 12:00 PM ^
My paddleball class teacher had a standing offer, spotting any two of us 10 points and offering an A (or Respect) if we could beat him.
Another guy and I just beat him the last class. One of my rare athletic achievements.
April 12th, 2022 at 10:47 AM ^
The fun fact may be more impressive than the double championship fact! Winning a title as either a player or a coach is pretty hard on its own but not screwing up 21 straight points with a damn bleach bottle is crazy.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:59 AM ^
the only athlete in Michigan history to both play and coach on a national championship team.
This isn't accurate. Harry Kipke played on the 1923 8-0 national championship football team coached by Yost, and then Kipke was head coach for the national championship teams of 1932 and 1933.
April 12th, 2022 at 10:02 AM ^
When did you ref IM basketball games? I remember South Quad having Varsity Football players playing IM basketball during that era. Many were all-state in both football and basketball. Usually West Quad Rumsey or Adams house could field a team that could keep it close.
April 12th, 2022 at 10:32 AM ^
I reffed from about 80-82. Great way to make some extra money. Most of the games were in the IM building, but I also remember doing some in the Coliseum. I don't remember any in the CCRB or NCRB.
The quality of play ran the gamut, but as you say, there were some great players out there. You're right - a lot of the football players would play IM basketball. I remember doing a lot of games with Butch Woolfolk and Keith Bostic playing. Moby would always be out there watching, and he'd give us tips after each game.
Yeah trying to catch Butch Woolfolk would be beyond futile. In an IM soccer game our house beat a team that had Ali Haji-Sheikh. Not the best soccer player but that NFL career work out well for him. Nice guy too.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:07 AM ^
This was still true in the late 80’s. I’ll never forget having to defend Tripp Welbourne and being dunked on by Vada Murray. Good times.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:19 AM ^
Tripp completely posterized me in the first round of the IM playoffs. Todd Plate had a mean elbow. Still feel it.
They were up 23-2 and then we kept it around 20. Definitely intimidated and they definitely called off the intensity after being up 20. We had 3 really good players and won most of our regular games but that playoff game was simply an exhibition.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:19 AM ^
Tripp completely posterized me in the first round of the IM playoffs. Todd Plate had a mean elbow. Still feel it.
They were up 23-2 and then we kept it around 20. Definitely intimidated and they definitely called off the intensity after being up 20. We had 3 really good players and won most of our regular games but that playoff game was simply an exhibition.
April 12th, 2022 at 12:42 PM ^
In 1990 our West Quad Adams team lost to the South Quad team by a bucket in the finals. Tony McGee and Corwin Brown were on the South Quad team and I'm sure there were other football players that I don't remember. One of the best games I ever saw.
We tried to get Derek Jeter to play on our IM flag football team. Couldn't get him to agree. Something about voiding contracts.
Too bad they didn't have NIL for flag football in those days. You could've stolen one from George.
April 12th, 2022 at 10:19 AM ^
As a freshman working on The Daily I was fortunate to cover Michigan Baseball and Coach Benedict 55 years ago. He was always accessible and patient, treating me well due to my prior work as a student manager for my high school varsity baseball team. RIP, Moby.
I covered baseball for the Daily - and also was a student manager for my high school baseball team - 52/53 years ago. And, I echo Dailysportseditor’s post.
Amusing anecdote (at least I think it’s amusing): a couple of years later, I was at a Cub game at Wrigley Field and had a seat along the right field line. I got there early and there were a bunch of kids yelling at Ted Sizemore, former Wolverine infielder, and asking if he was going to play that day. I yelled out, “What do you think of Moby Benedict?” Sizemore looked over, pointed at me, and I nodded. He came over and we talked for about 10 minutes about Michigan, baseball, and Moby.
I covered baseball for the Daily 51 years ago and loved it. Coach Benedict was always willing to spend time with me and the other Daily reporters.
April 12th, 2022 at 10:58 AM ^
Rest in peace. Condolences to his family. Great to have him in the Michigan family.
April 12th, 2022 at 11:56 AM ^
Rest In Peace, Moby.
In addition to baseball, he was 5' 3" and dunked in basketball! Impressive.
Bursley, thanks for posting.
April 12th, 2022 at 12:01 PM ^
In addition to baseball, he was 5' 3"
He was a great athlete, but not at 5'-3"—this is from the obit:
(Fun fact: While only 5 '8" in height, Moby was the captain and played center on Southeastern's basketball team because he could dunk the ball and jump with surprising altitude!)
I reffed IM basketball in the late eighties and benefitted from the experience and the small amount of extra cash. Moby seemed like a very nice guy and effective manager of IM sports. I was surprised at the time when I learned about his background in baseball; it is good to learn more detail now. RIP
Dick Kimball also won national championships for UM in 1 and 3 meter dive ( and trampoline too) and also coached UM to 4 NCAA Dive Championships. In his 80's he still did stunts like driving a bike off the 10 meter platform at Canham Natatorium. Another Legend!
Here here. Worked for UM Baseball back in the day and he was always a welcome presence after he retired. Class.
I attended UM summer baseball camps in the 80s. Moby was such a good coach and super nice guy. He made sure you did stuff right.