Mark Zagunis is a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award

May 26, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; A fly ball falls between Virginia Tech Hokies outfielders Mark Zagunis (2) and Kyle Wernicki (4) against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC baseball tournament at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies’ baseball team has had a lot of struggles this season after losing a lot of talent last year but one player has just played better and better as the season has gone along. The man that has been leading the Hokies despite the struggles should not be a surprise and seems likely to be picked in the first 4 rounds of the MLB Draft in the future.

Junior catcher Mark Zagunis entered the season with a lot of pressure to lead the team and that was largely due to his preseason accolades. Mark Zagunis was on the preseason Johnny Bench Award Watch List along with being the second team Preseason All-American catcher by Louisville Slugger and the NCBWA. Mark Zagunis entered the season with a lot of expectations and so far, Zagunis has ended up proving himself to be the player everybody knew he was.

However, Mark Zagunis did get off to a slow start but Mark Zagunis has picked it up since which has helped the Hokies a lot. Mark Zagunis is a complete player that has a .332 batting average, 1 home run, 35 RBIs, and has only struck out 18 times which is very impressive. Mark Zagunis also has gotten it done on the basepaths with 15 stolen bases in 18 attempts. Zagunis has only had 6 errors and his .980 fielding percentage is very good.

Now, Mark Zagunis is starting to get some postseason honors.

Mark Zagunis was one of 15 semifinalists for the Johnny Bench Award which is given to the best catcher in college baseball. Mark Zagunis has had a strong season and it is great to see Zagunis getting an honor like this with the production at the plate and behind the plate that Zagunis has given. More postseason accolades seem likely for Mark Zagunis and with only a few games left, Zagunis will look to have a strong finish to his junior season.

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