What's Happening?
The Wichita Sports Commission has announced the 2026 Buster Posey Preseason Watch List, recognizing Ole Miss catcher Austin Fawley as one of the top collegiate catchers in the nation. This award, previously
known as the Johnny Bench Award, honors the best Division I collegiate catcher, as determined by head coaches and sports information directors. Fawley, a standout player for Ole Miss, started 49 games in the 2025 season, leading his team in slugging percentage and ranking high in home runs and RBIs. His performance earned him a spot on the 2025 ABCA/Rawlings All-South Region Team and the Oxford Regional All-Tournament Team. Additionally, D1Baseball ranked him as the eighth-best catcher in the country for the 2026 season.
Why It's Important?
Being named to the Buster Posey Preseason Watch List is a significant accolade for Austin Fawley and the Ole Miss baseball program. It highlights Fawley's exceptional skills and contributions to his team, potentially increasing his visibility to professional scouts and enhancing his prospects for a future career in Major League Baseball. For Ole Miss, having a player recognized on a national level can boost the program's reputation, attract new talent, and increase support from fans and alumni. This recognition also underscores the competitive nature of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which has four players on the list, showcasing the high level of talent within the conference.
What's Next?
As the 2026 baseball season progresses, Austin Fawley will aim to maintain his high performance and further solidify his standing as one of the nation's top catchers. His continued success could lead to additional accolades and potentially a nomination for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award. For Ole Miss, the upcoming season's televised games on the SEC Network will provide Fawley and his teammates with a platform to showcase their skills to a broader audience, potentially influencing the team's recruitment and future success.
