Thomas a Semifinalist for Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year A

WACO, Texas – Fifth-year senior Andy Thomas was named a semifinalist for the 2021 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year, the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced on Thursday. Thomas is one of 16 catchers to be considered for the award, with three finalists to be announced on June 7.

On the season, Thomas is hitting a career-best .343/.410/.577, to go along with a career-high 10 home runs and 54 RBI in 2021. Thomas leads the team in home runs and RBI, he is also tied for second on the team in hits (60), second in batting average, slugging percentage and total bases (101). His 54 RBI are tied for fourth-most in the Big 12.

Catchers on the watch list were nominated by their schools. Statistics to compare them were pulled on May 6, 2021. One key criterion in determining the semifinalists is that they must be the starting catcher for their team in 70% of the games. This year there were several offensively strong nominees that did not meet the criteria to move forward in the selection process.

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 7, 2021. 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 23rd Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on July 1, 2021.

Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Semifinalists:

Eric Bigani JR UNLV

Drew Blakely JR Richmond

Henry Davis SO Louisville

Adrian Del Castillo SO University of Miami

Hayden Dunhurst SO Ole Miss

Braxton Fulford JR Texas Tech 

Hunter Goodman SO Memphis

Wyatt Hendrie SO San Diego State 

Coltyn Kessler SR Kentucky

Mat Nelson SO Florida State 

Drake Osborne SR Louisiana

Straton Podaras SR Radford 

CJ Rodriguez SO Vanderbilt 

Logan Tanner FR Mississippi State

Andy Thomas SR Baylor 

Nick Thornquist SR UTSA