Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award Finalists Announced; Trophy Presentation Moves to College World Series
Wichita, Kan. – The Wichita Sports Commission announced today the finalists for the 2026 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award presented by Hasty Awards. This year, 111 catchers from 28 conferences were nominated during the nomination process from Wednesday, February 11 to Friday, May 8. Of those 111 catchers, a list of 16 semifinalists was chosen by the Buster Posey Award selection committee on Monday, May 11.
The selected semifinalists were voted on by Division 1 schools' baseball coaches, sports information directors, college baseball national media, scouts, and the Buster Posey Award selection committee during the voting period from Monday, May 18 to Thursday, May 28.
Voting to decide the Buster Posey Award winner opens today, June 1, and ends Friday, June 5 at 11:59 PM CT.
Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award Finalists
Jon Embury - Junior, Florida Gulf Coast University
Chase Fralick - Sophomore, Auburn University
Daniel Jackson - Junior, University of Georgia
Vahn Lackey - Junior, Georgia Tech University
Carson Tinney - Junior, University of Texas
For the first time in the awards existence, the Buster Posey Award will be presented at the NCAA Men’s College World Series. The winner will be announced during a press conference in conjunction with the College Baseball Foundation’s (CBF) awards at 12:30 PM CT, Saturday, June 13 during the second day of the MCWS in Omaha, Nebraska.
“We are incredibly excited to present the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award at the College World Series, college baseball’s biggest stage. This is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the game’s toughest position in a setting that reflects the tradition, energy, and excellence of the game at its highest level.” Kevin Jenks, President/CEO, Wichita Sports Commission.
The Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award is presented annually to the top catcher in NCAA Division I baseball, honoring excellence in performance, leadership, and all-around impact at one of the game’s most demanding positions. Each year, the award is determined through a national selection process involving coaches, media members, and scouts. Past winners include standout collegiate catchers who went on to MLB careers such as Kurt Suzuki, Ryan Garko, Mitch Garver, Adley Rutschman, Kyle Teel, and 2008 recipient Buster Posey himself, reflecting the award’s long-standing recognition of elite talent behind the plate.
The winner will be invited to Wichita on Thursday, June 25, to take part in the Buster Posey Award “Just Block It” Catcher’s Clinic at 9:00 AM CT to 11:30 AM CT at West Side Athletic Field and the Buster Posey Award Ceremony as part of the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet that same day starting at 6:00 PM CT. The Greater Wichita Sports Banquet will be held at INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita. Tickets and tables are currently on sale to the public. For updates on the events and tickets visit wichitasports.com
About the Wichita Sports Commission
The Wichita Sports Commission is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to celebrating and advancing sports as a vital part of our city’s culture and community life. Since 1997, our team of passionate sports advocates, community supporters, and event professionals has supported local talent, elevated sports initiatives, and helped build a thriving sports environment in Wichita. We collaborate with local leaders, organizations, and partners to create meaningful experiences, foster community pride, and highlight the unifying power of sports. The Sports Commission owns and operates five community annual events, including the Prairie Fire Race Series, Greater Wichita Sports Banquet featuring the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, Wichita Corporate Challenge, and the annual Wichita Turkey Trot.
