For two decades, the Johnny Bench Award was presented to college baseball’s top NCAA Division I catcher. Now hosted by the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, the program has expanded to 10 categories.

The award now includes a top college softball winner, as well as regional, "Reds Country", high school baseball and softball honorees from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. All winner are recognized during a ceremony that takes place each year in July at Great American Ball Park.  

Candidates are assembled from direct online submissions, All-State rosters and state athletic association recommendations. An awards committee determines a group of finalists based on statistics and support from local sources from each state. Johnny hand picks the winners.

 

 

 

2024 Caden Sheridan - Sheridan
2023 Mason Eckleman - Walsh Jesuit
2022 Jimmy Nugent - Badin
2021 Trey Pancake III - South Range
2020 Mason Sawyer - Bishop Hartley
2019 Joe Powell - Mason