Morrow, Cresswell Named to Buster Posey Award Watch List

WICHITA, Kan. (April 18, 2024) – Washington State catchers Jacob Morrow and Will Cresswell were each named to the 2024 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Watch List by The Wichita Sports Commission Thursday.

The National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award honors the nation's top Division 1 collegiate catcher as voted on by head coaches and sports information directors. 2023 Buster Posey Award Winner Kyle Teel from the University of Virginia was selected 14th overall in the 2023 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox.  

The 2024 Watch List features 63 student-athletes from NCAA Division 1 universities throughout the country.

"Since 2000, the Wichita Sports Commission has acknowledged the hard work and talent of the most demanding position in baseball," said Kevin Jenks, President/CEO of the Wichita Sports Commission. "The Buster Posey Award has become one of college baseball's most coveted and prestigious awards. It's always special to have all three finalists, their families and coaches attend the event." 

Morrow, a senior from Warrenton, Ore., is in his second season at Washington State after transferring from Linn Benton Community College prior to the 2023 season. Last season, Morrow hit .259 with four doubles, one home run and 17 RBI in 28 games played, 23 as a starter, and was seventh in the Pac-12 Conference with nine runners caught stealing. Through 26 games played this season, Morrow has made 21 starts, hit at a .313 clips with five doubles, three home runs, 13 RBI and is fourth in the league with 10 runners caught stealing.

Cresswell, a junior from Auburn, Wash. appeared in 33 games last season, 29 as a starter and collected 11 extra-base hits including five doubles, one triple, five home runs and 11 RBI with six runners caught stealing. This season, Cresswell has started 15 of 19 games appeared in with a .267 batting average, one double, two RBI, 12 runs scored and thrown out a base stealers.

 The 2024 winner will be announced on June 26th at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet. Three finalists will be invited to attend the banquet hosted by the Wichita Sports Commission. Nominations from head coaches and sports information directors will continue until May 8th. 

The 2024 Buster Posey Award timeline is as follows: 
May 8 – Last day for nominations 
May 22 – Semifinalists Announced 
June 6 – Finalists Announced 
June 26 – Award Presentation at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet 
 
To stay up to date on the Buster Posey Award, follow The Buster Posey Award on Facebook or visit https://wichitasports.com/buster-posey-award/.