Baseball: Chris Berset a Bench Semi-finalist
Phase 1 is complete. Today, Michigan's Chris Berset was named one of the 16 semi-finalists for the Johnny Bench award, recognizing the best catcher in college baseball. The full list:
- Jeff Arnold, University of Louisville;
- Jett Bandy, University of Arizona;
- Chris Berset, University of Michigan;
- Robert Brantly, UC Riverside;
- Dan Burkhart, Ohio State University;
- Micah Gibbs, Louisiana State University;
- Andrew Giobbi, Vanderbilt University;
- Yasmani Grandal, University of Miami;
- Ben Heath, Pennsylvania State University;
- Bryan Holaday, Texas Christian University;
- Jose Iglesias, Coastal Carolina University;
- Jim Klocke, Southeast Missouri State;
- Ryan Lipkin, University of San Francisco;
- Matt Rice, Western Kentucky;
- Cameron Rupp, University of Texas and
- Derek Trent, East Tennessee State University.
Phase 2 occurs on June 2nd, right before the regionals. There, the three finalists will be announced. All three finalists will be flown into the Wichtia, Kansas (the trophy is sponsored by the Wichita Area Sports Commission) for a July 1st banquet where the winner will be announced.
I have to say, I was never a huge Berset fan. too small, not enough power and only hit about 270 career. his D was always solid, and certainly was the best defensive catcher M has had over the last 3-4 years. his offense this year has really picked up. good for him and the team
Let alone comment on the same board. Well, as my mother used to say, it takes all kinds.
well, i guess i should rephrase.... i never thought so highly of him that he'd be a 3-4 hitter. i figured he'd be a career 6-7-8 guy whose biggest impact would be on D
I'll accept that. I still think that there is a ton to be said for good defense, smarts, and just a general calm and in control demeanor that is worth a couple dozen percentage points in batting average. And lo! Now he has both!
Great timing for his two 2-run HR's vs Northwestern - even got him on SportsCenter. Go Blue!