I had a chance to catch up on the phone early Friday with Delta State designated hitter Ben Kingsley, the former Mooreville standout.

Delta State (46-13) opens its Division II World Series appearance on Sunday against St. Mary's of Texas (28-9) in a first-round game at Cary, N.C. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Central.

Kingsley, a former All-Area selection, shares a name with a famous actor - Sir Ben Kingsley. But "our" Ben admits he was puzzled when his coach at Meridian Community College started calling him "Gandhi."

The actor Ben Kingsley won an Oscar in 1982 for his portrayal of the great M. Gandhi, an outspoken proponent of non-violence.

You can read my interview with Delta State's Ben Kingsley in Sunday's Daily Journal.

His favorite Ben Kingsley movie? "I guess I'd have to go with Gandhi," he said.

My top five, in no particular order: Gandhi, Schindler's List, Sexy Beast, Dave and Lucky Number Slevin. (I have not yet seen Hugo, but it might eventually need to be on my list, too.) He's done some good junk, too, like Species and Thunderbirds - but as Samuel L. Jackson would say, you gotta make a living.

Speaking of which, Sir Ben will be in Iron Man 3, due next summer. Can't wait. 

Delta State's Ben Kingsley will be looking for a new role in 2013 as well. After dealing with issues in his throwing arm all year, he plans to undergo offseason surgery and hopes to contend for an outfielder role with the Statesmen next season.