Derek Bender was a standout catcher at Coastal Carolina University, hitting 32 home runs and batting .326 with the Chanticleers in three collegiate seasons.
Bender was selected in the sixth round of the MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins in July and began playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Muscles of the Florida League, but his time with the Twins' farm team was reportedly over after 19 games.
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Vaughn's Derek Bender reacts after catching a Hyannis fly ball. (Ron Schrobb/Cape Cod Times/USA Today Network)
Bender was fired after it was discovered he had told opposing batters what pitches they were going to throw in a game last week that ended the team's playoff hopes. ESPN reported..
Last week, in a loss to the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Bender reportedly told hitters the specific pitches they were going to throw when they came up to bat, and Lakeland scored four runs in the second inning to win, 6-0.
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – May 31, 2024: Coastal Carolina University junior Derek Bender (53) is congratulated by senior Corey Zientek (20) for scoring in the top of the second inning against Vanderbilt University during an NCAA Clemson Regional baseball game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. (Ken Ruinard – USA Today Sports)
Bender reportedly told his teammates he wanted to finish out the season and spent the team's final two games in the bullpen.
According to ESPN, the Twins and his representatives declined to comment.
Bourne's Derek Bender erupted in celebration after scoring his fourth run against Orleans on a hit by Sam Peterson. (Ron Schrobb/Cape Cod Times/USA Today Network)
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Bender played catcher and first base during the season, appearing in 19 games and batting .200 with two home runs.
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