The most demanding and dangerous position on a baseball field is the one designated as "number 2" on a scorecard - the catcher. Since baseball's earliest days, players in this position have endured daily pain and suffered more injuries. The role of catcher has evolved into a strategic part of the baseball game. Therefore, it is only fitting that the baseball community nationally recognizes the top collegiate catcher.

The Johnny Bench National Collegiate Catcher of the Year established in 2000 is given to the top collegiate catcher based upon ability, sportsmanship, team leadership and character. [See SELECTION PROCESS below.]

2000 WINNER

Brad Cresse, Lousiana State University

2001 WINNER

Kelly Shoppach, Baylor University

2002 WINNER

Jeremy Brown, University of Alabama

2003 WINNER

Ryan Garko, Stanford University

2004 WINNER

Kurt Suzuki, Cal State Fullerton

2005 WINNER

Jeff Clement, University of Southern California

2006 WINNER

Jake Smith, East Carolina University

2007 WINNER

Edward Easley, Mississippi State

2008 WINNER

Buster Posey, Florida State University

2008 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Mitch Abeita, University of Nebraska, Sr.
Jason Castro, Stanford University, Jr.
Dock Doyle, Coastal Carolina University, Sr.
Kevin Dubler, Illinois State University, Jr.
Tim Federowicz, University of North Carolina, Jr.
Jake Jefferies, University of California, Davis, Sr.
Corey Kemp, East Carolina University, Sr.
Petey Paramore, Arizona State University, Jr.
Josh Phegley, Indiana University, Soph.
Buster Posey, Florida State University, Jr.
Shea Robin, Vanderbilt University, Sr.
Adam Zomes, Rice University, Jr.

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

CLICK FOR SEMIFINALISTS' CATCHER STATS

2007 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Mitch Canham, Oregon State, Jr.
Joel Collins, University of South Alabama, Jr.
Lars Davis, University of Illinois, Jr.
Edward Easley, Mississippi State, Jr.
Alex Garabedian, College of Charleston, Jr.
Chris Gradoville, Creighton University, Sr.
Trent Kline, University of South Carolina, Jr.
Buster Posey, Florida State University, Soph.
Tyler Weber, Wichita State University, Jr.
Matt Wieters, Georgia Tech University, Jr.

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

CLICK FOR SEMIFINALISTS' CATCHER STATS

2006 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

J.P. Arencibia, University of Tennessee, Soph
Ryan Bono, Central Florida University, Sr.
Zach Dillon, Baylor University, Sr.
Jeff Kunkel, University of Michigan, Sr.
Matt McBride, Lehigh University, Jr.
Michael McKenry, Middle Tennessee University, Jr.
Jordan Newton, Western Kentucky University, Jr.
Eddy Rodriguez, University of Miami, Jr.
Jake Smith, East Carolina University,
Chad Tracy, Pepperdine University

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

CLICK FOR SEMIFINALISTS' CATCHER STATS

2005 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Andrew Butera, University of Central Florida, Jr.
Jeff Clement, University of Southern California, Jr.
Greg Dini, Tulane University, Sr.
Tuffy Gosewisch, Arizona State University, Jr.
Brett Hayes, University of Nevada
Nick Hundley, University of Arizona
Jeff Kunkel, University of Michigan
Caleb Moore, East Tennessee State
Sean Richardson, University of Kansas, Sr.
Taylor Teagarden, Texas

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

CLICK FOR SEMIFINALISTS' CATCHER STATS

2004 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Jeff Clement, Southern California
Brad Davis, Long Beach State, Sr
Tuffy Gosewisch, Arizona State
Aaron Hathaway, Washington, Sr
Chris Iannetta, North Carolina **
Devin Ivany, South Florida, Jr
Jason Jaramillo, Oklahoma State, Jr
Matt Liuzza, Louisiana State, Soph
Donny Lucy, Stanford, Sr
Landon Powell, South Carolina, Sr **
Erick San Pedro, Miami, Sr
Kurt Suzuki, Cal State - Fullerton, Sr **
Craig Tatum, Mississippi State, Sr
Taylor Teagarden, Texas
Kiel Thibault, Gonzaga

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

CLICK FOR SEMIFINALISTS' CATCHER STATS

2003 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Brady Burrill, Michigan State University, Sr.
Josh Ford, Baylor University, Soph
Ryan Garko, Stanford, Sr. **
Chris Grossman, University of California, Sr.
Devin Ivany, South Florida, Soph
Jason Jaramillo, Oklahoma State, Soph
Colt Molton, North Carolina State, Jr **
Landon Powell, South Carolina, Jr
Tony Richie, Florida State, Jr **
Brian Rose, Florida, Sr

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

2002 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

John Baker, University of California, Junior
Steve Booth, San Francisco, Senior
Jeremy Brown, University of Alabama, Senior **
Alberto Concepcion, Southern California University, Junior **
Ryan Garko, Stanford University, Junior
Chris Hamblen, Cincinnati University, Junior
Tyler Parker, Georgia Tech, Junior
Brian Rose, University of Florida, Junior
Adam Shorsher, San Jose State University, Senior
Chris Snyder, University of Houston, Junior **

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

2001 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Steve Booth, San Francisco, Junior
Jeremy Brown, University of Alabama, Junior **
Chris Hamblen, Cincinnati, Sophomore
Brad Harper, Fresno State
Casey Myers, Arizona State University **
Chris Netwall, Penn State University
Paul O'Toole, Notre Dame
Bryan Prince, Georgia Tech
Kelly Shoppach, Baylor University **
Tim Whittaker, University of South Carolina

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

2000 Johnny Bench Award Semifinalists

Justin Cowan, University of Nebraska **
Brad Cresse, Lousiana State University **
Danny Massiatte, Louisiana-Lafayette
Casey Myers, Arizona State University **
Bradon Pack, University of South Carolina
Bryan Prince, Georgia Tech
Dane Sardinha, Pepperdine University
Scott Walter, Loyola Marymount
John Wilson, University of Kentucky

** RED Indicates a FINALIST

The Johnny Bench National Collegiate Catcher of the Year award is presented annually to the nation's best collegiate catcher as voted on by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, Division I Coaches and professional scouts.

A watch list of approximately 40 collegiate catchers is compiled in February. Nominees are judged on their athletic ability, sportsmanship, team leadership and character.

A selection committee reviews all offensive and defensive statistics through the first 2/3 of the season and narrows the list to 10 semi-finalists by May 15.

At this time, information is gathered on the 10 semi-finalists and compiled into a comprehensive biography of each catcher. Additional criteria include: POP time, team ERA, GPA, leadership skills, interaction with teammates, calling their own game and community involvement.

A vote from the national selection committee then narrows the list to three finalists. Another vote, during the College World Series, is taken to determine the winner. All finalists are brought to Wichita for the awards banquet at the end of June.