“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Even in the heavy seasons, God was near. This journey wasn’t built only in the spotlight—it was built in the unseen, through faith, family, and resilience.

The part people don’t see

My dad is a retired military veteran. He’s also been diagnosed with PTSD and Bipolar Disorder. During my little league years, there were seasons where he was clinically depressed and he wasn’t always able to be present.

As a kid, I didn’t fully understand what was happening. I just knew I missed him. I knew things felt heavy sometimes. I knew I had to keep going even when I didn’t have the words for what I was feeling.

I’m not sharing this to shame my dad—because I love my dad. I’m sharing it because it’s real, and I know there are other families living through battles that most people never see.

And I’m sharing it because God has been faithful through all of it

Gratitude for my mom

If there’s one thing I want to say clearly, it’s this: I’m grateful for my mom.

She gave me the support, strength, and encouragement I needed during those difficult years. She showed up consistently. She kept me grounded. She helped me believe in myself when I was still learning how to do that.

When life felt unstable, she was steady.

And I’ll never forget that.

What adversity built in me

Those challenges didn’t break me.

They built resilience in me. They built discipline in me. They built gratitude in me. They built faith in me.

I’ve learned that the process matters.

Why I’m sharing this with coaches

If you’re a coach reading this, I want you to know: I’m not just chasing a dream—I’m committed to the work

I’ve been shaped by adversity, and I’ve learned how to respond with effort, humility, and perseverance. I’m coachable, consistent, and I take development seriously. I’m still growing as a player—and even more as a young man.

My goal isn’t only to reach the highest level in baseball. My goal is to become the man God is calling me to be.

Quick recruiting snapshot (for coaches)

• Name: Aidan Benavides (“Triple B”)
  
• Grad Year: 2028
  
• School: Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Eastvale, CA)
  
• Positions: RHP / OF (Two-way)
  Size: 6’3”, 195 lbs
• Fastball: 88.2 mph (92nd percentile; +4.8 mph gain)
• Exit Velo: 97 EV
  
• Academics: 3.7 GPA (Honor Roll)
  
• Honors: First Team All-League; Team MVP (Offensive)
  
• Recruiting site: http://www.triplebbrecruiting.com

If you’re reading this and you’re going through it…

If you’re a kid dealing with pressure at home… or a parent battling mental health… or someone carrying something heavy in silence, I want you to hear this:

You’re not alone.

Keep praying. Keep showing up. Keep doing the next right thing. Ask for help when you need it. Trust God with the process,

Thank you for being here and supporting my journey.

-Aidan “Triple-B” Benavides