March 7, 2018

Johnny Bench Award Watch List
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. –
Senior Caleb Knight (Checotah, Okla.) was one 97 catchers nationwide recognized on the initial Johnny Bench Award watch list presented by Baseballsavings.com. The award is given annually to the top Division I collegiate catcher.

Knight has started all 13 games for the Cavaliers this season, including nine at catcher. He is tied for seventh in the ACC with a .517 on-base percentage and has reached safely in all 13 games this season. His .333 (14-for-42) batting average is tied for the second-highest on the team and his three home runs are a club-best.

A junior-transfer in 2017, Knight earned a starting spot midway through the year and found himself in the lineup for the final 30 games. In total, Virginia went 25-8 with Knight in the lineup. He hit .301 with four home runs and 20 RBI. All four of his home runs last season came in ACC play.

Named after baseball Hall of Famer, Johnny Bench, the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission started the Johnny Bench Award in 2000. The award is annually given out to the nation’s top collegiate catcher based on athletic ability, sportsmanship, team leadership and character. This year’s presentation is set for June 28 in Wichita, Kan.

Award Timeline
May 16 – Announce semifinalists
June 4 – Announce finalists
June 28 – Award Presentation in Wichita, Kan.