March 16, 2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -
Arizona State University freshman catcher Preston Paramore has been named to the Watch List for the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, given to the top division one collegiate catcher.
Paramore is one of 26 catchers on the list from 15 conferences. He is one of only two Pac-10 backstops to make the list, and the only freshman to make it. The list will be updated on May 1, with ten semi-finalists announced on May 11. The finalists will be announced on May 31, with the winner announced on June 28 in Wichita, Kansas.
Paramore, a freshman from Allen, Texas, is hitting .293 with 12 RBI in 19 games this season. He's also drawn 13 walks while managing the pitching staff for the Sun Devils. Jeff Clement of USC was the 2005 winner. Former ASU catcher Tuffy Gosewisch was a semi-finalist for the award in 2004 and 2005.
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
2005- Jeff Clement, USC
2004- Kurt Suzuki, Cal State Fullerton
2003- Ryan Garko, Stanford
2002- Jeremy Brown, Alabama
2001- Kelly Shoppach, Baylor
2000- Brad Cresse, LSU