From Shrek to Champ: Trey “Donkey” Benthal takes top honors in Bootheel Conference

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Trey Benthal may be nicknamed “Donkey” due to his goofy grin, but there’s nothing stubborn about the recent Portageville graduate.

And now, with a tireless work ethic and a natural talent for the game, he’s added a new title to his collection: Bootheel Conference Player of the Year.

“The journey of playing high school ball has been amazing,” Benthal said. “Playing at this level is a lot different than junior high in a good way. I enjoyed every second of high school ball even if it consisted of my arm hurting after a big outing or pitching in a quarterfinal. I loved every second.”

Portageville coach Tyler Trover gives senior Trey Benthal (14) his third-place medal following a�3-2 win over Barstow in 12 innings in the MSHSAA Class 3 third-place game at Sky Bacon Stadium in Ozark, Missouri on Thursday, June 1.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Benthal’s impact on the Bulldogs’ baseball is impossible to ignore. Over the past two seasons, he has helped led Portageville to a combined record of 66-7, including two conference titles, a second-place finish in Class 2 in 2022 and a third-place finish in Class 3 in 2023.

“As a team, we had to handle many challenges,” he said. “People look in and think it’s easy winning 35 games but people don’t know what we went through as a team to get to that position. We struggled offensively late in the season. I think that’s the most challenging looking back. I wish we would’ve had our bats late but it’s baseball.”

This past season, he finished with a remarkable 10-1 record, a 2.5 ERA and an impressive 75 strikeouts.

Portageville's Trey Benthal (14) makes a catch during�a 6-5 win in extra innings over Scott City in the MSHSAA Class 3 Sectional Round at Meatte Park in Portageville, Missouri on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Benthal’s dominance on the mound is matched only by his prowess at the plate. This past season, he batted .366 with 41 hits, including 10 doubles, a triple and two home runs. He also had 46 RBIs and scored 29 runs.

His powerful swing and a keen eye for the ball made him a formidable opponent who could hit from any angle.

But it’s not just his impressive stats that set him apart; it’s his leadership both on and off the field.

“I believe what sets me and my teammates apart is our mentality,” Benthal said. “We had a goal of winning every single game on the diamond and for the most part, achieved it. We always believed we were the dawgs and played like them.

“My approach to pitching in a big game is the same physically,” he continued. “Mentally I have to get in a different zone. I talk with God more when I’m out there. I have to have him beside me in those situations or I’ll just fail.”

For Benthal, baseball is all about strategy. As a pitcher, he’s constantly analyzing his opponents, looking for weaknesses and opportunities to strike. But perhaps his greatest strength is his ability to mix up his pitches, keeping batters guessing and off-balance.

“On a good day, I’m able to mix my pitches up and rely on my change-up,” he said. “My change-up was there about every game and saved me from a lot of hitters. Growing up people have said I threw hard but when you get to this level you are just another guy so you have to find ways to separate yourself.”

Benthal recalls his time with his coaches as a challenging but rewarding experience. While their coaching style was often demanding and rigorous, he recognized that it was designed to push him and his teammates to their limits.

“My coaches have done a substantial job over the past couple of years,” he said. “Some people have mixed feelings about the coaches but one thing I will always know and respect about Portageville coaches is they want to win. That’s all I ever wanted in a coach and I got that with them.”

One of the things that keep Benthal motivated is the memory of all the people who doubted him or failed to recognize his potential.

“I stay motivated because of who didn’t want me,” he said. “There have been coaches that overlooked me and I always remember that and carry myself with that on my shoulders.”

Although Benthal is still weighing his options when it comes to playing college baseball, he knows that his ultimate goal in life extends far beyond the realm of sports.

“My main goal is to have a loving family and watch my kids grow up to be better than I was,” he said.

Through all the highs and lows, Benthal has learned valuable lessons about grit, determination and the importance of staying true to oneself.

When asked what advice he would offer to younger players seeking the same success he has experienced, he emphasized the significance of staying focused on one’s goals and maintaining a strong work ethic.

“Never quit working,” he concluded. “Someone is always looking to take you down and playing at Portageville I realized that. Always remember that little kid inside you that wanted to be great someday.”

Portageville senior Thomas Frakes, juniors Mason Adams, Beau-Hunter Warren, Aaron Dunlap and sophomore Jaquan Bogan were also named to the all-conference team.

Frakes finished the season with a perfect 5-0 record on the mound, a 1.957 ERA and 46 strikeouts. He also had a .365 batting average, 45 RBIs, 34 runs scored and 46 hits including six doubles.

Adams batted .368 with 43 hits, including nine doubles, three triples, three home runs, 35 RBIs and 49 runs scored. He also pitched 23.2 innings with a .887 ERA, 20 strikeouts and a 1-0 record.

Warren had a .327 average with 34 hits including seven doubles, two triples, 24 RBIs and 38 runs scored. He also pitched 35 innings, striking out 43 batters and finished the year with a 2.2 ERA and a 1-0 record.

Dunlap was the team’s most improved player. He ended the year with a .404 batting average and 42 hits, including six doubles, 29 RBIs and 54 runs scored.

Bogan was the team’s top newcomer after leading the Bulldogs with a .435 batting average. He had 40 hits including four doubles, 29 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

Portageville coach Tyler Trover was named the Bootheel Conference Coach of the Year.

Other members of the All-Bootheel Conference team included Trey Fikes (South Pemiscot), Chase Laden (Senath-Hornersville), Cooper Thomas (Malden), Trey Miller (Malden), Ryan Guest (Caruthersville), Micheal Weldon (Senath-Hornersville), Sam Bunting (Campbell), Pookie Garza (Senath-Hornersville), Trevan Shuburte (South Pemiscot), Jackson Melvin (Campbell), Brayden Bomar (South Pemiscot) and Matt Moore (South Pemiscot).