WICHITA, Kan. – On Wednesday the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced that Western Michigan baseball senior catcher Jesse Forestell was named to the Buster Posey National Catcher of the Year Award Watch list.

Previously known as the Johnny Bench Award, the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year award will continue to honor the nation's top division one collegiate catcher as voted on by head coaches and sports information directors. The Buster Posey Award will be administered by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

During his senior campaign Forestell has a .238 batting average and .417 slugging percentage. The Chicago, Ill., native leads the team with four home runs to go along with 20 RBIs. Forestell ranks second on the team with 19 runs scored.

Behind the plate Forestell has thrown out 10 runners trying to steal, the second best mark in the Mid-American Conference. The senior catcher also ranks sixth in the conference with 177 putouts.

A total of 79 catchers across the country were nominated for the award. The finalists will be announced on June 3. A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series with the award presentation on June 27.