Sponsored by BaseballSavings First awarded 2000 | Country United States Currently held by Zack Collins, Miami | |
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Awarded for Best catcher in NCAA's Division I Presented by Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission | ||
The Johnny Bench Award was created in 2000 to honor college baseball's top catcher in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The award is administered by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission and presented after the conclusion of the College World Series. Johnny Bench, who by some is considered to be the best defensive catcher in baseball history, agreed to be the namesake for the annual award. In 2012, BaseballSavings.com became the official sponsor of The Johnny Bench Award.
Schools nominate their catchers during the season to create the official watch list. A select committee of 20 individuals narrows the watch list down to the semifinalists. Two rounds of voting by Division I head coaches determine the three finalists and eventual recipient of the Johnny Bench Award.