University of Richmond Athletics
Schmidt Named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List
03/07/2018 | Baseball
This is the second-consecutive year the Spiders have had a catcher on the Watch List. Schmidt is one of four catchers to represent the Atlantic 10 on the list. Â
Schmidt has started 51 games for the Spiders during the last two years. The Smithville, Tex. native has a .273 career batting average and a .995 fielding percentage. Over the summer, he played with the Liberal Beejays and won the Jayhawk League Championship. Schmidt was also named the number six prospect out of the league.Â
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About The Johnny Bench Award
Johnny Bench is remembered for his offense, but he may hae had the greatest impact behind the plate. He was the first receiver to use a protective helmet in the field, popularized catching one-handed and kept his throwing hand behind his back to protect it from foul tips.Â
His honors include: National League Rookie of the Year (1968); National League MVP (1970, 1972); World Series MVP (1976); 14-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner.
The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced May 16, 2018. Ballots will be sent to the national voting panel at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced June 4, 2018. A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series. All finalists will be brought to Wichita and the winner will be announced at the 21st Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 28, 2018.
