Felix named to Johnny Bench Award watch list

A-State Sports
Dennen Cuthbertson, Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations

JONESBORO – Arkansas State senior catcher Justin Felix has been named to the Johnny Bench Award presented by BaseballSavings.com Watch List in an announcement by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission on Tuesday.

A native of Nogales, Ariz., Felix has been selected to the watch list for the second straight season and is one of 97 catchers to earn a spot on the 2018 version. Although the backstop has yet to play this season due to injury, his strong 2017 campaign was enough to warrant consideration.

Felix’s 2017 saw him hit .257 with team-highs in homers (8) and RBI (46). Additionally, he swatted 14 doubles, scored 38 runs, walked 35 times and posted a slugging percentage of .466 with an on-base percentage of .392. Defensively, he threw out 12 would-be base stealers.

The Johnny Bench Award is given to the nation’s top Division I catcher. 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.

Arkansas State returns to action tonight against UT Martin in a game that was added to the schedule recently. First pitch from Tomlinson Stadium is set for 6 p.m.