Boston College Athletics
Sanchez Named Finalist For Johnny Bench Award
June 04, 2009 | Baseball
June 4, 2009
WICHITA, Kan. - Boston College junior Tony Sanchez has been named one of three finalists for the 2009 Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, presented annually at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet to the nation's top collegiate catcher.
The three finalists were voted on by Division I baseball coaches. Joining Sanchez in Wichita will be George Mason's Chris Henderson and J.T. Wise from Oklahoma.
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 12th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 26, 2009.
This just adds to the plaudits that the Miami, Fla., native has earned this season. Sanchez was also named to the 2009 Louisville Slugger All-America Third Team and was tabbed as one of 30 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award, presented annually to the nation's premier amateur baseball player. He was also the first player from Boston College to be voted to the All-ACC First Team.
Sanchez currently ranks eighth in the ACC in runs (63), ninth in doubles (19) and home runs (14), 11th in total bases (140) and slugging (.614), 15th in hits (79), 17th in on-base percentage (.443), and 18th in batting (.346). He has also thrown out the most runners in the conference this season, catching opponents stealing 19 times.
Sanchez's 63 runs this season are a Boston College single-season record. Steve Langone and Sean McGowan had shared the record with 60 runs, which they both reached in 1999. His 14 home runs are the third-most in a single season and his 79 hits are fourth.
Sanchez has established himself as one of the most productive hitters in BC history. He ranks fifth all-time at Boston College in home runs with 24 and RBI with 124, sixth in hits with 202 and eighth in runs with 125.
