Baseball's Messina Wins 2024 Johnny Bench Award

CINCINNATI – University of South Carolina junior catcher Cole Messina was named the winner of the 2024 Johnny Bench Award, MSA Sport announced today (Wednesday, June 26). Messina was selected as the top male NCAA baseball catcher in the county by the organization.

Messina, a consensus All-American in 2024, led Carolina with a .326 batting average to go along with 64 runs scored, 19 doubles, 21 home runs, 71 runs-batted-in, 50 walks and eight stolen bases. Messina threw out 13 runners trying to steal, including three in the Raleigh Regional opener against James Madison (May 31).

He was named to both the All-SEC Tournament team and the All-Raleigh Regional team. Messina set the SEC Tournament record with 16 RBI in the five games played and had two home runs, including the game-winner, in a victory over Arkansas (May 22). He was named to the All-SEC second team after hitting .330 with 12 doubles, six home runs and 28 RBI in conference contests.

Messina is one of 10 catchers to receive a Johnny Bench Award. The top female NCAA softball catcher was Jocelyn Erickson of Florida. They are joined by high school baseball and softball catchers from the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia.

The 2024 Johnny Bench Awards Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, July 30 at Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Messina will be recognized that evening during on-field ceremonies before the Reds vs. Chicago Cubs game at 7:10 p.m.