Seventy-four catchers were nominated for the award by their coaches. Because the award is given annually to the top Division I collegiate catcher, the list will be updated to include other candidates until May 3, 2016.
In 10 games for the Titans, Hudgins is hitting .205 while leading the Titans in RBI (5), home runs (2) and doubles (4) to go along with eight hits, five runs scored and a .462 slugging percentage.
Opponents this season have stolen just two bases against the El Cajon, Calif., native while he has nine assists and a perfect fielding percentage.
Hudgins is one of two catchers from the Big West Conference on the list.
The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced May 18, 2016. Ballots will be sent to the national voting panel at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced June 6, 2016. 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 19th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 30, 2016.
"We are extremely appreciative to BaseballSavings.com and Mr. Johnny Bench for supporting this prestigious award," stated Bob Hanson, President/CEO of the Sports Commission. "They are the ones who make all of this possible."
While Bench is remembered for his offense, he may have had the greatest impact behind the plate. He was the first receiver to use a protective helmet in the field, popularized catching one-handed and kept his throwing hand behind his back to protect it from foul tips.
Bench's career honors include: National League Rookie of the Year (1968); National League Most Valuable Player (1970, 1972); World Series Most Valuable Player (1976); 14-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner. In 1980, he set an endurance record by catching 100+ games for 13 consecutive seasons. Bench was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 1989 with the fourth highest percentage of total votes cast. In 2015, Bench was named as part of the Franchise Four Greatest Living Players, along with Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays
Johnny Bench presented Southern California catcher, Garrett Stubbs, with the award last June in Wichita, Kansas. Kade Scivicque of Louisiana State University and Matt Winn of Virginia Military Institute were the other finalists for the award.