The University of Louisville‘s catcher, Jack Payton, has been announced as a finalist for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award. The announcement was made by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission on Tuesday of this week. Payton is joined in the finals by Kyle Teel of Virginia and Ryan Snell of Lamar. A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series. The winner will be announced at the 25th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 29, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas.
This is a significant recognition for Payton, who is only the second Louisville player to be named a finalist for the award since its inception in 2000, following Henry Davis’ selection in 2021. Payton has been outstanding this season, leading the Cardinals in hitting for the second straight season, finishing the spring with an impressive .374 batting average. Aside from his hitting skills, he also has 10 doubles and set a career-high record of 12 home runs in 48 games. In addition to these achievements, Payton also swiped eight bases.
Payton is not just an excellent hitter; he also displayed impressive skills behind the plate, with a .994 fielding percentage and throwing out 32 percent of potential base stealers. This outcome did not go unnoticed by the National Committee, which nominated him for the national award.
The Athletic Association of Greater Louisville has high hopes that Jack Payton brings home the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, which will add up to his enhanced performance this season. Fans can follow Louisville baseball on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @LouisvilleBSB and be updated on the final vote of the national committee during the College World Series.
