Zack Collins wins Johnny Bench Award as nation's top catcher

Hurricanes slugger becomes first Miami player to win award

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami junior Zack Collins was honored as the nation's top collegiate catcher Thursday.

Collins took home the Johnny Bench Award during a banquet in Wichita, Kansas.

He becomes the first Miami player to win the award, which was created in 2000.

Collins was the 10th overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in this year's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

The two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection from Pembroke Pines native beat out finalists Logan Ice of Oregon State and Keith Skinner of North Florida.

Collins batted .363 for the season, leading the Hurricanes with 16 home runs and 59 RBI to go along with a nation-leading 78 walks.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.