UNC Baseball: Ben Peterson signs with the San Francisco Giants
![May 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels pitcher Ben Peterson (25) celebrates after a strikeout to end the eleventh inning against the Wake Forest during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports May 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels pitcher Ben Peterson (25) celebrates after a strikeout to end the eleventh inning against the Wake Forest during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6000,h_3375,x_0,y_625/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/206/01j38tv7qeya3e0873gs.jpg)
Ben Peterson wasn't among the UNC baseball players that heard his name called during the 2024 MLB Draft. However, it didn't take long for the right-hander to find a home to begin his professional career.
Congrats to Parks and Ben on signing their first professional contracts! pic.twitter.com/y80BCz0rdM
— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) July 20, 2024
The Cary, North Carolina native has signed with the San Francisco Giants as an undrafted free agent. He'll continue the family tradition of playing in the pros, as his grandfather spent time with the New York Yankees and Cleveland organizations within their minor league systems.
After spending time at Appalachian State and Florida Southwestern State College, Peterson transferred to North Carolina and became a steady contributor out of the bullpen. As a junior, the right-hander was fourth on the team in appearances (25), and recorded three wins for the Diamond Heels.
This season, Peterson's usage went down a bit, as he made just 19 appearances in relief. However, he still was used in some big-time situations, as he was a guy that Scott Forbes could trust out of his bullpen.
The 2024 MLB Draft was a successful one for the UNC baseball program, as multiple players were selected by various Major League teams. Although Peterson, along with fellow teammate Parks Harber, didn't hear their names called, both were able to find an opportunity with a big league club as undrafted free agents.
Now, Peterson looks to make a name for himself within the San Francisco Giants organization.
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