A rep from the Coleman Company — the official sponsor of the Johnny Bench Award since 2000 — usually introduces the winner and during a recent ceremony began with these words about catchers, "The most demanding and dangerous position on a baseball field is the one designated as number '2' on a scorecard - the catcher. Since baseball's earliest days, players in this position have endured daily pain and suffered more injuries. The role of catcher has evolved into a strategic part of the baseball game. Therefore, it is only fitting that the baseball community nationally recognizes the top collegiate catcher."

A breakdown of Johnny Bench Award finalists (not including the winner) by year: 2000: Justin Cowan (University of Nebraska) & Casey Myers (Arizona State University); 2001: Jeremy Brown (University of Alabama) & Casey Myers (Arizona State University); 2002: Alberto Concepcion (University of Southern California) & Chris Snyder (University of Houston); 2003: Colt Molton (North Carolina State University) & Tony Richie (Florida State University); 2004: Chris Iannetta (University of North Carolina) & Landon Powell (University of South Carolina); 2005: Nick Hundley (University of Arizona) & Taylor Teagarden (University of Texas at Austin); 2006: Jeff Kunkel (University of Michigan) & Eddy Rodriguez (University of Miami); 2007: Buster Posey (Florida State University) & Matt Wieters (Georgia Tech); 2008: Jason Castro (Stanford University) & Dock Doyle (Coastal Carolina University); 2009: Chris Henderson (George Mason University) & Tony Sanchez (Boston College); 2010: Yasmani Grandal (University of Miami) & Jose Iglesias (Coastal Carolina University); 2011: Chris O'Brien (Wichita State University) & Mike Zunino (University of Florida).

Do you agree with the choices? If you were a member of the Greater Wichita Sports Commission would you have chosen a different player from ANY of the seasons above? Share your opinions on Baseball Fever.