April 30, 2008

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Senior catchers Chris Taylor of Charlotte and Rhode Island's Zach Zaneski are among 48 student-athletes on the updated "Watch List" for the Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the nation's top catcher. The list was announced by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

As of Monday's latest NCAA baseball statistics release, Taylor is eighth in the nation with 59 runs batted in, tenth in RBI per game, at 1.37, 14th in home runs (15), 15th in total bases (126) 22nd in home runs per game (0.35) and 42nd in slugging percentage at .716 this season.

Tuesday night, Taylor added his 16th home run and 60th RBI in Charlotte's 7-5 win at Winthrop. The 16 homers are the fourth-most in a single season in Niners history.

Zaneski leads Rhode Island with a .354 batting average and also paces the team in doubles (16), RBI (30), total bases (79), walks (24) and on-base percentage (.448). In addition, he has thrown out 20-of-37 potential base stealers.

The watch list will be narrowed down to ten semifinalists, whom will be announced May 14, 2008. Three finalists will be announced June 3, 2008 prior to the NCAA Super 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 11th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 27, 2008.

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.