IRVINE, Calif. --- Senior Ronnie Shaeffer (Garden Grove/Pacifica HS) is one of 43 catchers to be selected to the Johnny Bench Award initial watch list.

Shaeffer, a 2011 ABCA Gold Glove winner, was one of the top defensive catchers in the country last season. An All-Big West first-team choice, Shaeffer held the opposition to a 43-percent success rate in steals. He was also voted the Los Angeles Regional All-Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading UCI with a .600 batting average in three regional games, including delivering the walk-off hit against UCLA. This season, Shaeffer has been an anchor for the Anteater defense and is holding opposing teams to a .467 average in stolen bases.

The award, which honors the nation's top Division I catcher, is presented by presented by BaseballSavings.com. Semifinalists will be announced May 16 with the finalists unveiled June 4. The award presentation will take place in Wichita, KS on June 28.

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