Murray State University Athletics
Farnell Named to Bench Award Watch List
3/6/2018 4:03:00 PM | Baseball
Murray State junior catcher Mike Farnell has been named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List, given annually to the top catcher in Division I baseball.
This season, Farnell is hitting .276 with five RBIs and has drawn six walks while scoring four runs. He has also been behind the plate for a pitching staff that boasts an ERA of 4.13, the second-lowest mark in the league so far this year.
Farnell and the Racers return to action this week as they host SIU Wednesday at 3 p.m., and open OVC play this weekend when SIU Edwardsville comes to Reagan Field for a three-game series beginning Friday, also at 3 p.m.
While Bench is remembered for his offense, he may have had the greatest impact behind the plate. He was the first receiver to use a protective helmet in the field, popularized catching one-handed and kept his throwing hand behind his back to protect it from foul tips.
Bench's career honors include National League Rookie of the Year (1968); National League Most Valuable Player (1970, 1972); World Series Most Valuable Player (1976); 14-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner.
