Ben Lively

Edward Bennett Lively

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 190 lb.
• School University of Central Florida
• High School Gulf Breeze High School
• Debut June 3, 2017

• Born March 5, 1992 in Pensacola, FL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Ben Lively was first drafted out of high school by the Cleveland Indians in the 26th round of the 2010 amateur draft, but did not sign. In 2013, the Cincinnati Reds picked him in the 4th round out of the University of Central Florida, and this time he signed.

Lively made his professional debut with the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League in 2013, and also played for the Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League. He was dominant at Billings, in spite of a record of 0-4, as his ERA was a sparkling 0.88 in 13 starts. Like many pitchers coming off a long college season, he was kept to a low pitch count that limited him to 41 innings, which explains the lack of wins. During those innings, he allowed only 23 hits and 13 walks, while striking out 56. He was charged with a loss in his only start for Dayton, in spite of giving up only one earned run in four innings. He was on a more normal innings regime in 2014, and had a very good season, with a record of 13-7, 3.04 in 26 starts between the Class-A Bakersfield Blaze and AA Pensacola Blue Wahoos. In 151 innings, he limited opponents to 117 hits, and struck out 171 against 52 walks.

Now a top-rank prospect, he was traded on December 31, 2014 to the Philadelphia Phillies in return for Marlon Byrd, a productive starting outfielder, an indication of how well he was regarded after only two professional seasons.

Related Sites

• Ben Lively on mlb.com
• BR Minors page
• University of Central Florida bio