Southwestern alumnus Ben Ludwig '22 signed a professional baseball contract to play for the Lexington Legends of the Atlantic League, a partner league of Major League Baseball. 

Ludwig will make his professional debut this evening, starting Game 2 of today's doubleheader against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Game 1 begins at 5:00 p.m. EST and will be streamed on Southern Maryland's YouTube channel. 

"It's a crazy opportunity. I got the call yesterday at 1:00 p.m. and was on a flight at 6:00 p.m.," Ludwig says. "I don't know how long this will last, but I'm going to take a moment to take this all in." 

Ludwig was a two-time All-SCAC pitcher for Southwestern, earning Second Team in 2021 and Honorable Mention in 2022. He posted a 5-4 record in 10 starts this season, compiling 63 strikeouts in 56.1 innings pitched and a 5.59 ERA. In 27 career appearances, including 25 starts, Ludwig was 11-10 with 144 strikeouts in 143 innings and a 6.04 ERA. 

"Ben is someone who has worked hard on his craft since the day he arrived on campus," Southwestern head baseball coach JC Bunch says. "Every little boy who plays t-ball wants to be a professional baseball player at some point in his life, and now Ben can check that box. I'm thrilled for him." 

The Lexington Legends won the 2021 Atlantic League Champions and currently lead the South Division with a 35-25 record.