The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced the addition of 13-year Major League baseball veteran Gary Bennett as a volunteer assistant coach.
 
Bennett was a big-league catcher from 1995-2008, spending time with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
 
"I am excited to join the Valparaiso Baseball coaching staff to assist in the athletic and personal development of our student-athletes," Bennett said.
 
Bennett becomes the second former big-league player on the Valpo coaching staff, joining head coach Brian Schmack, who broke into the majors with the Detroit Tigers in 2003.
 
"We're extremely fortunate to have Gary on board," Schmack said. "His knowledge of the game and the wisdom he can share with the guys is exciting. He will not only be a great resource for them, but for the coaching staff as well."
 
An 11^th-round draft pick of the Phillies in 1990 out of Waukegan East High School in Illinois, Bennett played in Philadelphia's minor-league system until making his big-league debut in 1995. He won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. Bennett had a hot stretch at the plate in August 2006, when he hit four home runs in the span of a week, including a walk-off grand slam against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 27. He played in 587 games in his MLB career, which concluded with the Dodgers in 2008.
 
Bennett's sons Garrison (Missouri) and Gavin (Illinois and Valpo) both played Division-I baseball.
 
In addition, the Beacons have welcomed Jayden Phillips as a volunteer assistant coach. Phillips is a Crown Point, Ind. native and Crown Point High School product who was an infielder at Franklin College before transitioning into a student coach role. He has gained experience coaching at Franklin Community High School, Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation and with the Indiana Bulls.
 
"We're happy to have Jayden join the staff," Schmack said. "He's a young, hungry coach who is looking to make an impact with players both on and off the field. He will fit in well at Valpo."