Devine and Haitsuka Tabbed in CollegeBaseballInsider.com Poll

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Haitsuka Named to Johnny Bench Award Watch List

WICHITA, Kan.- Junior Alex Haitsuka was one of four additions to the watch list for the 2010 Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award delivered by Papa John's Pizza, as announced by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission Saturday.

Haitsuka (Alexandria, Va./T.C. Williams) has started 36 games behind the plate this season for VMI, hitting a team-best .389.  He has helped lead the Keydets to their best start in school history at 30-16, and ranks among the top five players in the Big South Conference in both batting average and on-base percentage (.470).  Haitsuka has three four-hit games this season, including a performance against Longwood when he hit for the cycle in just four at bats and scored four times.

The Johnny Bench Award was created in 2000 to honor the nation's top collegiate catcher based on athletic ability, sportsmanship, team leadership and character.  The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced May 19, 2010. 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 2, 2010 prior to the NCAA Regionals and Major League Baseball Draft. 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 13th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on July 1, 2010.

This marks the second time a VMI player has been named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List, joining Mike Roberts, who was so honored in 2008.

The Keydets return to action Tuesday evening, taking on Richmond at Gray-Minor Stadium, with first pitch set for 6 p.m.  Fans can listen to the game on the VMI Sports Network online at www.VMIKeydets.com and on Lexington's Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM. 
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Players Mentioned

Alex Haitsuka

#28 Alex Haitsuka

C
6' 2"
Junior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Alex Haitsuka

#28 Alex Haitsuka

6' 2"
Junior
R/R
C