CT native Ben Casparius playing key role on Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff: ‘It’s been fun’

When Ben Casparius first picked up a baseball in his hometown of Stamford, Connecticut, few could have predicted that he would one day be a pivotal figure in one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises — the Los Angeles Dodgers. But here he is, nearly a decade later, standing tall among the elite, delivering clutch performances out of the Dodgers’ bullpen and proving that hard work, determination, and a deep love for the game can lead to baseball glory.

Ben Casparius’s journey to the Dodgers’ mound started in the suburban fields of southwestern Connecticut. A natural athlete with a competitive edge, Casparius began playing baseball at a young age. Growing up in Stamford, he attended a local high school where he quickly became known for his arm strength and pitching savvy. Coaches praised his work ethic and maturity beyond his years.

“I remember Ben was always the kid who wanted to throw one more bullpen after practice or stay late to work on his mechanics,” recalled his high school coach. “He had that fire in him, a real passion that you can’t teach.”

After graduating, Casparius earned a scholarship to play college baseball, further sharpening his skills and refining his pitching repertoire. Throughout his collegiate career, his fastball velocity climbed, and his off-speed pitches became more deceptive. Scouts began to take notice.

In the 2018 MLB draft, the Dodgers selected Casparius in the mid rounds, impressed by his athleticism, command, and potential to develop into a reliable arm out of the bullpen. It was the first step toward his dream

Like many young pitchers, Casparius’s path to the major leagues was not immediate. The minor leagues presented a rigorous challenge—long bus rides, modest accommodations, and the constant pressure to improve.

But Casparius embraced the grind, quickly establishing himself as a workhorse for the Dodgers’ minor league affiliates. Whether it was refining his slider, improving his strike zone awareness, or developing better game strategy, he was determined to leave no stone unturned.

“Ben was always the guy asking questions — what can I do better? How can I help the team win?” said a former minor league pitching coach. “He’s very coachable, and that’s a huge asset.”

After several seasons of steady improvement and resilience, Casparius earned a call-up to the Dodgers in late 2023. His debut marked the beginning of a new chapter — one where he would be counted on in high-leverage situations.

The 2024 season proved to be a breakout year for Ben Casparius. With injuries and roster moves opening doors in the Dodgers’ bullpen, the Connecticut native seized his opportunity.

Known for his electric fastball that touches the mid-90s and a sharp, late-breaking slider, Casparius quickly became a trusted arm in the late innings. His ability to strike out batters and induce weak contact made him a valuable weapon in manager Dave Roberts’s bullpen arsenal.

“I think the biggest thing for me this year was just staying confident and trusting my stuff,” Casparius said in a recent interview. “Coming from the minors, you don’t want to just survive—you want to thrive, and that’s what I’m trying to do every time I step on the mound.”

Casparius’s numbers tell a story of success. Over the course of the season, he posted an ERA well below 3.00, struck out more than a batter per inning, and kept opposing hitters off balance with his mix of pitches. More importantly, he showed a calmness and poise beyond his years when the pressure was highest — whether closing out tight games or holding leads in extra innings.

Playing for the Dodgers means sharing the spotlight with some of the game’s brightest stars. With superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw on the roster, Casparius could have easily been overshadowed.

But rather than shying away, he embraced his role as a key piece of the team’s pitching puzzle.

“It’s been fun,” Casparius said with a grin when asked about playing alongside such talent. “You learn a lot just by being around guys like Clayton and the veterans. Everyone wants to win, and that’s the mindset we have.”

His teammates and coaches appreciate his humility and willingness to contribute wherever needed. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior praised Casparius’s development:

“Ben has done a fantastic job adapting to the major league level. He listens, learns, and executes. That’s why he’s become such an important part of our bullpen.

Back home in Connecticut, Ben Casparius’s rise has not gone unnoticed. His journey serves as an inspiration to young players in the state, a reminder that talent combined with persistence can break through traditional geographical barriers to baseball prominence.

Local youth leagues and high schools have taken pride in following his career, with Casparius often giving back through virtual talks, baseball clinics, and mentoring programs. Despite the distance, he remains connected to his roots.

“My family’s still there, and I want to make them proud,” Casparius shared. “Connecticut isn’t known as a baseball hotbed, but we have great players and coaches. I hope kids there see that they can make it too.

With his first full season in the big leagues under his belt, Ben Casparius is already looking ahead. The Dodgers have set their sights on another World Series title, and Casparius wants to be a vital contributor to that goal.

“I want to keep improving, keep helping the team win,” he said. “It’s about consistency, staying healthy, and doing whatever the team needs.”

Manager Dave Roberts sees Casparius as a long-term asset, not just a temporary fill-in.

“Ben’s got the makeup and the stuff to be a cornerstone of our bullpen for years to come,” Roberts said. “He’s shown he can handle the big moments, and I expect him to keep getting better.”

From the little league fields of Stamford to Dodger Stadium’s bright lights, Ben Casparius’s story is a testament to grit, growth, and passion. In an organization filled with stars, he’s carved out a critical role through determination and talent.

“It’s been a wild ride, and honestly, it’s been fun,” Casparius said. “I’m grateful for every opportunity and excited to see what’s next.”

As the Dodgers charge toward another postseason run, fans — both in Los Angeles and back in Connecticut — will be watching Ben Casparius closely, cheering on their hometown hero who’s become a key weapon on one of baseball’s most exciting pitching staffs.