WICHITA, Kan. - Fresno State redshirt junior catcher Zach Morgan has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced on Thursday.
Ninety-seven catchers were named on the watch with statistics on each catcher named to the watch list pulled on May 9. Key criterion in determining the semifinalists is that they must be the starting catcher for their team in 70% of the games, their batting average must be above .200 and have a minimum of 120 at bats. There were several nominees that did not meet the criteria to move forward in the selection process.
Through 52 games this spring for the 'Dogs, Morgan is leading the team and ranks sixth in the Mountain West hitting .374 from the plate. In addition, Morgan tops the club and ranks among the top 10 in the MW in hits (77), doubles (19) and on-base percentage (.452). He has drawn 25 walks while only being struck out 17 times.
Behind the plate, Morgan has started all 52 games with a .986 fielding percentage and has thrown out 19 would-be base stealers.
A native of Stockton, Morgan is in his fourth season as a Bulldog after redshirting the 2019 season, he saw action in 15 games in the COVID-19 shortened season in 2020 and played in 43 of the 'Dogs 45 games last season.
Three finalists will be announced on June 7 with the award presented in Wichita on June 29 at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet.
2022 Buster Posey Award Semifinalists
Jack Alexander, SR Austin Peay
Michael Carico , SO Davidson
Connor Charping, SR Western Michigan
Kaden Hollow, SO Dixie State
Cade Hunter, SO Virginia Tech
Andrew Keck, JR Southeast Missouri State
JT Marr, JR College of Charleston
Zach Morgan, JR Fresno State
Kevin Parada, SO Georgia Tech
Caleb Ricketts, JR San Diego
BT Riopelle , JR Florida
Daniel Susac, SO Arizona
Logan Tanner, SO Mississippi State
Brendan Tinsman, JR Wake Forest
Anthony Tulimero, SO Houston
Michael Turner, SR Arkansas