| Hernandez Named to Johnny Bench Watch List
3/17/2006 BRIAN HERNANDEZ NAMED TO JOHNNY BENCH AWARD WATCH LIST NASHVILLE — Senior catcher Brian Hernandez was one of 26 players named to the initial Johnny Bench Award Watch List by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. Hernandez is one of five catchers in the SEC that is on the list. The Florida native is currently hitting .295 with a team high six doubles and 10 RBI. He has heated up over the last 10 games, batting .364 with four doubles, a triple and six RBI. This marks the third straight season Hernandez has been named to the award’s watch list. Last season, his first at Vanderbilt after transferring from Duke, he hit .342 with five homers and 42 RBI. Twenty-six catchers from fifteen conferences were nominated for the award by their coaches. Because the award is given annually to the top division one collegiate catcher, the list will be updated to include other candidates until May 1, 2006. The watch list will be narrowed down to ten semi-finalists, whom will be announced May 11, 2006. A comprehensive biography will be created on each of the semi-finalists and sent to the national voting panel at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced May 31, 2006 prior to the NCAA Regionals and Major League Baseball Draft. 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 9th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 28, 2006. 2006 Coleman Company – Johnny Bench Award Watch List Michael Ambort Jr Lamar University |
