Lubbock Crickets in the Texas- Louisiana League.

Benavidez also served as Assistant Coach and Hitting Instructor at Lubbock Christian University for 5 years. As an All American Shortstop at LCU, Benavidez set the stolen base record in 1997. Benavidez led the SAC with 80 runs scored and 63 stolen bases during the season.

Benavidez also chalked up a .415 batting average during the 1997 season, including 14 doubles, six triples, eight home runs, and 38 RBI's. Previously, Eric represented Team USA in the 1995 Pacific Ocean Games in Cali, Colombia.