WICHITA, Kan. – LSU senior Kade Scivicque has been named to the watch list for the 2015 Johnny Bench Award, given annually by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission to the nation’s top Division I catcher.
The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced on May 14. 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 on June 2, and a final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series.
Scivicque, a product of Maurepas, La., is LSU’s leading hitter this season, batting .395 (15-for-38) with four doubles, three homers, 11 RBI and 11 runs scored. He has the Tigers’ highest slugging percentage (.737), and he has struck out just twice this year. Behind the plate, Scivicque has thrown out six base runners attempting to steal.
Former LSU catcher Brad Cresse won the Johnny Bench Award in 2000 after helping lead the Tigers to the College World Series title.
While Johnny Bench is often remembered for his offense during his career with the Cincinnati Reds, he may have 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.
Bench’s career honors include: National League Rookie of the Year (1968); National League Most Valuable Player (1970, 1972); World Series Most Valuable Player (1976); 14-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner. In 1980, he set an endurance record by catching 100+ games for 13 consecutive seasons. Bench was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 1989 with the fourth highest percentage of total votes cast.