“Bench Mojo” and Bat Breaks: Meet the Spartanburgers’ Clubhouse MVP
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – While the Hub City Spartanburgers may shine on the field, it’s Pete Stasio, their longtime clubhouse manager, who keeps the team running behind the scenes — with stories, energy, and even a drink called “Bench Mojo.”
At 47, Stasio brings two decades of experience to the Spartanburgers, where he’s become known as the guy who does it all — from fixing uniforms and managing gear to answering some pretty strange requests.
“The weirdest one? A player asked me to be a witness at his wedding,” Stasio told Queen City News. “And I said yes!”
From Live Chickens to Pro Ball: A Colorful Career
Before joining the Spartanburgers, Stasio worked in both Single-A baseball and for the New York Mets, gaining a reputation as someone who could handle just about anything — including a time when a player requested “a couple live chickens.”
Now with Spartanburg’s new team, his role is still demanding — 14-hour workdays during the season are normal. But for Stasio, it’s a job filled with passion.
“Things people don’t think of,” he explained. “Like where the baseballs come from, how the uniforms get cleaned, or what happens when a bat breaks.”
Players Trust Him Without Even Asking
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by the players.
“He brings the same energy every single day,” said catcher Cal Stark. “Most times you don’t even have to ask for him — he just gets everything taken care of.”
Whether it’s keeping things clean, solving problems, or finding lost gear, Pete is the first person the players turn to — something he takes great pride in.
“I’m their go-to guy,” he said. “That’s important to me.”
What Is ‘Bench Mojo’?
Stasio even whips up his own version of an in-house energy drink — a mysterious Gatorade-based concoction dubbed Bench Mojo. Originally created during his stint in Asheville, it’s since evolved into something of clubhouse legend.
“It started with Gatorade mixes. Now? Cinnamon rolls and chocolate donuts are sometimes part of the recipe,” he laughed. “Sometimes I don’t even look at what’s in it.”
No matter what’s in the bottle, players say the results are real — and morale-boosting.
Have a favorite behind-the-scenes figure from a local sports team? Share their story or give them a shout-out in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — we love hearing from our South Carolina baseball fans.
