Preston High Bryson McNew named 2025 Johnny Bench Award recipient as state's best catcher
The award was first awarded to players below the collegiate level in 2019 when the Johnny Bench Award partnered with the Cincinnati Reds.
McNew was named one of two catchers to the 2025 Class AAAA all-state first team (his second selection in as many seasons) after hitting over .600 at the plate with 31 hits and 27 RBI. He hit five doubles, two triples, and eight home runs, drawing 24 walks and striking out only seven times in 74 plate appearances.
'First of all, I want to give thanks to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ when it comes to an award of this caliber,' McNew said. 'Secondly, I just feel honored to receive an award with such prestige. Especially one that is associated with the greatest to ever be behind the plate. Being recognized as the best catcher in our state is something I won't ever forget and something I hope to continue to do.'
Tayler Likens of Frankfort High School was the softball winner of the Bench Award in WV, while Coastal Carolina University's Caden Bodine was named the recipient for the NCAA.
Bryson is the second area-coverage catcher to win the award in the last three seasons, as former Morgantown High School catcher Ty Galusky won in 2023.
McNew says having the chance to meet catchers that he looks up to, like Bench and Bodine, is a dream come true.
'Ty is someone I grew up watching, and I love the way he plays the game,' McNew said. 'Also, Caden Bodine is one of my favorite college players in the game to watch right now, so being able to meet him and Johnny Bench and all the other great catchers from the other states is something I'll never forget.'
The ten winners will be honored at the Johnny Bench Awards Luncheon on July 29 at Great American Ball Park and will be recognized that evening during on-field ceremonies before the Reds vs. Dodgers game at 7:10 p.m.
'Now in its seventh year, the Johnny Bench Awards honor more than just impressive stats; they celebrate the leadership, toughness, and heart required to be a great catcher,' said Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. 'I'm proud to recognize this year's winners for upholding that standard.'
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