Official Press Release
Wichita, KS - Freshman Fabian Pena (Miami, FL / Calusa Prep) has been named to the official watch list for the 2016 Johnny Bench Award presented by BaseballSavings.com as announced by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.
Pena is hitting .352 with a MAAC-leading 18 doubles, six home runs and a MAAC-best 40 RBI en route to pacing the circuit with a .586 slugging percentage. Additionally, behind the plate he has thrown out 54.6 percent (25-of-46) of runners attempting to steal.
The 101-player 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 with the three finalists being announced on 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.
"I'm thrilled for Fabian to be on the Johnny Bench Award Watch List," said head coach Jim Duffy. "It's simply a result of his daily passion and hard work he invests towards his craft. As a freshman, he's a team guy and leader with the best yet to come for Fabian."
Manhattan returns to action with a 12:00 pm doubleheader at Niagara on Saturday, May 7.