Loda Named to Buster Posey Award Watch List

Central Connecticut State senior catcher Sam Loda has been named to the watch list for the 2022 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.

The award, presented by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission, honors the nation's top Division I catcher as voted on by head coaches and sports information directors. Loda is one of 77 players on this year's watch list, including one of five catchers hailing from the Northeast Conference.

Loda, a senior from East Haven, CT, is off to a strong start through seven games this season, slashing .333.359.333. An All-NEC First Team pick in 2021, Loda has thrown out a pair of would-be base stealers this season and has helped the CCSU pitching staff post a 4.42 ERA. Loda has played in 135 career games and helped the Blue Devils win NEC titles in 2019 and 2021.

This year's watch list will be updated to include other candidates until May 4 before semifinalists are announced on May 19. Ballots will then be sent to the national voting committee at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists.

The finalists will be announced on June 7, and a final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series. All finalists will be brought to Wichita, KS, and the winner will be announced on June 29.