Giobbi named Bench Award semifinalist

by SID

Senior catcher Andrew Giobbi was named one of 16 semifinalists for the 2010 Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award today. The award recognizes the top collegiate catcher in the country.

The Portland, Maine, native has had an outstanding season thus far behind the plate, having thrown out 21 of 47 runners attempting to steal. He has also caught a pitching staff (calls own game) that has a stellar 3.66 team ERA; second best in the SEC. Offensively he usually bats in the middle of the order and enters this weekend against Arkansas with a .302 batting average with six homers and 51 RBI.

Giobbi and LSU catcher Micah Gibbs were the lone representatives from the SEC to make the semifinal list.

This is the second year in a row “Gio” has been named to the watch list and the first time he has advanced as a semifinalist.

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 2, 2010 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 13^th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on July 1, 2010.