Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly – May | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior catcher Austin Martin is one of 14 catchers added to the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award Watch List, the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced Thursday.
Martin is one four Big Ten catchers and 91 catchers nationally on the watch list. Former All-American catcher Tyler Cropley was named a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award last season. The award was renamed this season.
From Altoona, Iowa, Martin leads Iowa in batting average (.308), hits (52), multi-hit games (16), multi-RBI games (8), and is tied for second in RBIs (27). Martin’s .308 batting average leads all Big Ten catchers and ranks 13th overall in the conference.
Behind the plate, Martin owns a .993 fielding percentage and has caught nine baserunners stealing in 29 attempts.
The 91 catchers nominated for the award will be narrowed down to semifinalist on May 17. Georgia Tech’s Joey Bart won last year’s award.
The No. 24 Hawkeyes host Michigan State at Duane Banks Field in a three-game series, beginning Friday at 6:05 p.m. (CT).
