[citation needed] Van Benschoten was a power-hitting star at Kent State University, leading all of Division I in home runs his junior year with 31.

He pitched a scoreless inning in the 2003 All-Star Futures Game while a member of the Altoona Curve,[3] and Baseball America named him the top prospect in the Pirates system in both 2003 and 2004.

Scheduled starter Kip Wells had complained of elbow pain before the game, so the Pirates called up Van Benschoten to take his place,[5] designating reliever Willis Roberts for assignment to create roster space.

[7] Van Benschoten returned to play in August 2006, but made only 5 starts (split between the Bradenton Pirates, Altoona Curve, and Indianapolis Indians) before a further arm injury ended his season.

In 2009, Van Benschoten signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox, who assigned him to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights.

After beginning the 2011 season playing independent baseball, Van Benschoten signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on July 20.