JT Thomas Named to Johnny Bench Award Watch List

WICHITA, Kan. – Mercer senior catcher JT Thomas was named to the watch list for the 2018 Johnny Bench Award, which is given annually to the top catcher in NCAA Division I baseball.

The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced the watch list on Tuesday afternoon. This marks Thomas' first time being included on the watch list. It is the fourth consecutive season Mercer has had a catcher named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List; former Bear Charlie Madden earned three consecutive nominations to the list from 2015-17.

Thomas is off to a hot start in 2018, batting .480 with seven extra base hits and 17 runs batted in while ranking fourth nationally in hits (22). The Woodstock, Ga., native was named the 2018 Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year and earned a pair of preseason All-America nods after a standout junior campaign in 2017.

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.

About the Johnny Bench Award
The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission started the Johnny Bench Award in 2000. The commission felt that since the most demanding and dangerous position on a baseball field is the one designated as "number 2" on a scorecard – the catcher, then it would only be fitting that the baseball community nationally recognize the top collegiate catcher.

Thus, the Johnny Bench Award was formed to be awarded annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher based on athletic ability, sportsmanship, team leadership and character.

Award Timeline
March 6 – Watch List announced
April 30 – Revised Watch List announced
May 16 – Semifinalists announced
June 4 – Finalists announced
June 28 – 2018 Johnny Bench Award winner announced

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JT Thomas Named to Johnny Bench Award Watch List

Players Mentioned

Charlie Madden

JT Thomas

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