‘A dream come true’: Wichita welcomes top catchers for Buster Posey award
When Caden Bodine packed his bags for Wichita this week, he wasn’t sure what to expect.
For Carson Tinney, a trip to Kansas conjured up images of endless farmland. And even for Rylan Galvan, who played in Wichita during the 2023 NBC World Series, the city still holds its own surprises.
But for all three finalists for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year award, one thing is certain: their trip to the heartland comes with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a baseball legend.
Only one between Bodine (Coastal Carolina), Galvan (Texas) and Tinney (Notre Dame) will hear their name called on Thursday evening at Intrust Bank Arena, but all three young stars behind the plate will have the chance to shake hands, swap stories and pick the brain of Posey, a seven-time MLB All-Star and three-time World Series champion.
Even after taking on the role of president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants — and making headlines with his recent blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers — Posey will still make his annual trip to Wichita on Thursday to spend time with the finalists.
“I remember watching Buster Posey ever since I was a kid,” Bodine said. “I definitely had a few of his jerseys, so it’s going to be really cool to see him. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
For Tinney, the moment represents both a dream fulfilled and motivation for the future.
“It’s really a dream come true,” Tinney said. “He’s one of the greatest catchers of all time and definitely someone I’ve always looked up to and wanted to be like. He’s known for being a leader and being really humble, so I just try to carry that in my game as well.”
Beyond the excitement of meeting a baseball legend, the trip to Wichita has given the finalists a glimpse of a city many of them had only heard about in passing.
“It’s definitely different than what I was expecting,” Tinney said with a laugh. “I was expecting a little bit more farmland because, you know, Kansas. But it’s been cool to see the city and (Equity Bank Park).”
The award has a history of recognizing college baseball’s elite backstops — many of whom have gone on to MLB success, most notably Posey and most recently Adley Rutschman. This year’s finalists come from all corners of the country, carrying with them unique stories and the weight of representing their schools on a national stage.
“Where I started and where I come from, it’s pretty rare for somebody like myself to be in this position,” Galvan said. “It would mean a lot to not only myself, but to my family and all of my coaches and teammates because they’ve played a huge role in this. I would be the first one to win it from Texas, so that would be super cool too.”
More than just a trophy, the award ceremony offers something that can’t be measured — time spent with Posey, whose influence on the game continues to ripple through the next generation of catchers. The group will go to lunch together on Thursday, visit Wesley Children’s Hospital together and have plenty of time to chat in the hours leading up to the award ceremony in the evening.
“I’m excited to talk about catching and how much it’s changed,” Galvan said. “I know it’s a different age of catching now, so just getting his input and little things here or there. Just to be around him will be amazing. I feel blessed.”
It’s a sentiment Kevin Jenks, president of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission, has seen year after year.
“The guys are always the most excited about when they get to meet Buster,” Jenks said. “It’s always cool to see them interact with him and get the chance to sit down and have that 1-on-1 time with him. Buster is always very gracious with his time, whether it’s offering advice or answering any questions or just letting them absorb his words.”
While the presentation of Posey’s award will serve as the grand finale, the evening offers plenty for Wichita sports fans to enjoy before then. The banquet will celebrate athletic excellence at every level across the city, beginning with a conversation featuring keynote speaker and former KU basketball star Mario Chalmers, moderated by Jim Kobbe.
The night will also include a local awards ceremony honoring standout athletes from the high school, college, and professional ranks throughout the area.
Greater Wichita Sports Banquet Awards
Lynette Woodard High School Female Athlete of the Year
Kendal Brueggen, Hesston
Kinslea Jones, Maize
Sophie Stockam, Maize South
Barry Sanders High School Male Athlete of the Year
DaSaahn Brame, Derby
Joshua Burdick, Cheney
Jack Guthridge, Kapaun Mt. Carmel
Junior College Female Athlete of the Year
Laura Bonomi, Cowley College
Hailey Jackson, Hutchinson Community College
Ashley Singhateh, Butler Community College
Junior College Male Athlete of the Year
Seven Cloud, Butler Community College
Waymond Jordan Jr., Hutchinson Community College
Evan Rodriguez, Cowley College
College Female Athlete of the Year
Sara Duque Jimenez, Wichita State
Hadley Waldren, McPherson
Riley Wertz, Friends
College Male Athlete of the Year
Xavier Bell, Wichita State
Jace Fisher, Newman
K.J. Spiller, Friends
Professional Athlete of the Year
Peter Bates, Thunder
Zebby Matthews, Wind Surge
High School Girls Coach of the Year
Greg Rauch, Bishop Carroll
High School Boys Coach of the Year
Derek Tuttle, Andover Central
Gene Stephenson Coach of the Year
Steven Gream, Cowley College
Bob Hanson Impact Award
Clark Ensz
This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 6:03 AM.
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