Brendan Bender, a left-handed pitcher and first baseman from Grandville High School, is entering his third season as a varsity starter for the Bulldogs.

The #2 pitcher as a sophomore, Bender took over the #1 starter’s spot last season, a position he will hold in 2011 as well.

Playing in the OK Red – arguably the toughest conference in West Michigan – Bender produced a 2.64 ERA and was named first team All-Conference and All-District last season.

Even though Grandville, a perennial baseball power in West Michigan, has fielded young teams the last couple years, Bender still managed a 6-9 record over that span while facing all the toughest opponents including Hudsonville, Rockford, West Ottawa and Jenison.

When not on the mound, Bender was the team’s starting first baseman both his sophomore and junior seasons. He will hold that spot again this coming season.

He hit a solid .297 as a sophomore while raising his average to .349 last year.

A rock-solid fielder, Bender has committed just 7 errors in 294 chances over the last two seasons for a career .976 fielding average.

“Brendan was our #1 starter last season and will be again this year” said Grandville head coach Jim Leonardo.

“He’s also a very good fielder and hitter – he’ll be our best player for the second year in a row.”

Bender, who plays summer ball with Diamonds Baseball in Grand Rapids, will have opportunities to play in college if he chooses to do so.

But, first his senior year awaits.

The OK Red will again be very tough in 2011 and the Bulldogs will be depending heavily on Bender if they hope to compete for the title.