BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University senior catcher Ryan Snell has been named All-Central Region First-Team catcher announced the American Baseball Coaches Association Tuesday morning. Snell becomes the third Cardinal in the last two seasons to receive the honor (Jack Dallas, P and Adam Wheaton, P in 2022).
 
A finalist for the coveted Buster Posey Award – given annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher – Snell put together one of the best seasons for a backstop in Lamar Cardinals history. The 2023 SLC Player of the Year and All-Defensive team selection hit .317 with a .412 on-base percentage and finished second in the league with 17 home runs – a mark which missed the school's single-season record by just one. The Hardin, Texas native also ranked among the league leaders in doubles (17), RBIs (58), total bases (136), walks (33) and OPS (1.066).
 
Even with his dominance at the plate, Snell proved even more valuable to the Red and White behind the dish. One of the top backstops in the country, Snell was a walking rally-killer for opponents attempting to steal. He threw out 20-of-34 (.588) would-be base stealers on the season.
 
Snell could have more hardware coming his way this offseason, as he will be joining Jack Payton (Louisville) and Kyle Teel (Virginia) in Wichita, Kansas, June 29^th for the announcement of the Buster Posey Award.