Benne to return to coach Hoppers in 2027

After leading the Hoptown Hoppers to a runner-up finish in the 2026 Ohio Valley League, Head Coach Chris Benne will return to lead the team in 2027. 

The Hoppers made the announcement this morning on their social media page. 

Benne was an assistant coach for several seasons with the team before being pressed into the head coaching duties at the last minute in 2025.  

After guiding the team to a 16-21 record and an appearance in the OVL semifinals, Benne returned in 2026 and led the team to a 26-14 record. The Hoppers led the league for most of the summer before Henderson came from behind to win the regular season by 1 ½ games. 

Hoptown defeated Fulton in the semifinals before falling to Henderson 2-0 in the finals. 

Benne coached high school baseball for 10 seasons at Clarksville Northwest, winning more than 100 games. He resigned as the Vikings’ baseball coach earlier this summer after accepting an assistant principal position at Northwest.

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