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If you ever spent any time within the Florida softball community, there is a good chance you knew Carlton “Big Un” Benton.
Sadly, on July 5, 2022, Carlton—who was the Commissioner for USA Softball of Florida—passed away and his death is a significant loss for not only those in Florida but for the game as well.
Carlton had been battling several health issues, some of which were reportedly related to COVID, and he been sick on and off for about two years. Fellow administrators as well and coaches and players have been mourning his loss over the last two weeks and remembering his accomplishments in the sport fondly.
“Carlton was a man with a big heart who saw the good in people,” explains Tracy Bettermann, the South Florida USA Director.
“Those who worked with him and befriended and interacted with him are better for it. His commitment to the game and the players was second to none. Carlton worked hard to bring the upcoming USA 16U A nationals to Lakeland this year. He was also excited for the 12U AA team he had helped assemble for this year’s event.”
Carlton’s impact on the game in Florida will be felt for years and those he touched include some of the greats in the game.
Michelle Moutrie, the legendary Team USA softball player, wrote the following on his online obituary page shortly after his death was announced:
“Carlton was a great friend to me and all of the USA Softball Women’s National Team. He was always someone that I looked forward to seeing at USA council meetings and serving with on the board of directors.”
“I’ll remember the way Carlton was always saving me a seat, inviting me to lunch, or excited to share some of his ideas for the future of softball. He was always welcoming which meant so much to me. Carlton was a true advocate for the sport, always helping others! He will be missed. Sending love to his family from all of the Women’s National Team players at USA Softball.”
Coaches in the Sunshine State appreciated what he did to better the sport at all levels.
“My coaching staff and I were very sorry to hear about the passing of Carlton,” added TJ Goelz, the national championship-winning head coach for the Tampa Mustangs.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife and family during this difficult time,” Coach Goelz began. “Carlton was a gentle giant in the Florida softball landscape who truly cared for the players and their dreams. I was always excited to see his name on my phone when he was calling as I knew it meant something fun or exciting for our girls was going to happen. Or that he was calling about something exciting happening in the Florida softball world that I could help him with. He was a good man and he will be greatly missed.”
Carlton was born on June 14, 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, and his softball career started in 1986 when he attended the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) National Council Meeting in Hawaii, where he submitted his first bid to host a national championship in Lakeland, Florida.
That event was the ASA Men’s Major Industrial National Tournament. Carlton remained in the game until he passed, giving 36 years to the game. He also served as the West Central Florida ASA Commissioner, and his current role as the State Commissioner for USA Softball Florida.
At the time of his passing, Carlton was still looking to the future and excited about upcoming possibilities to help softball in the Sunshine State.
“I’ve known Carlton for a few years and, over the last six months we were communicating back and forth about doing some work together on events,” says Brentt Eads of Extra Inning Softball.
“He was really excited to get more coverage and media exposure for athletes in Florida and to do events where we could editorially promote the competitors in things like an All-Tournament Team, a Home Run Derby, a Skills Challenge and more. I was shaken when I learned of his passing because I know how much he loved the kids and wanted to help them as much as possible in their journey through the sport.”