Ben Geary gains 25 pounds, improving baseball performance

Ben Geary, a senior shortstop for St. Laurence, has made a significant change this offseason. He has gained 25 pounds of muscle, going from 165 to 190 pounds since September. His coach, Pete Lotus, noted that this change has made Geary look much more physically robust than before, describing him as "rail thin" last year. Recently, Geary was at the plate during a game against Reavis when it was interrupted by bad weather. The game was called off after the Vikings took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Both teams plan to reschedule to finish the game later. Geary has worked hard in the gym to gain this muscle. He credits St. Laurence's weight program and help from Coach Brad Leshinske for his progress. He also mentioned that his mother played a big role by ensuring he had plenty to eat at home, saying, “I would eat everything I could find.” Last year, Geary was known for being a "scrappy hitter," mainly hitting singles and bunts. However, with his increased strength, he expects to add more power to his swings this season. Coach Lotus believes that Geary could become more consistent as a hitter and potentially drive the ball better. Despite his weight gain, Lotus has no concerns about Geary losing his speed. Geary also credits his family for his development as a player, especially his older brother, Luke, who motivated him to improve throughout their upbringing. Overall, Geary is excited about his upcoming season and the chance to continue playing baseball after high school. He appreciates the strategic nature of the game and enjoys the time he can take to refine his skills.