Ramage was selected to represent Kentucky for the award by Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench. She and the other winners were celebrated at a luncheon at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on Tuesday. They were also recognized by Bench during the game between the Dodgers and the Reds on Tuesday night. Bench said when choosing the winners, he looks at not only the on-field performance, but also the intangibles a player brings to the game.
Bench said, “The Johnny Bench Awards honor more than just impressive stats, they celebrate the leadership, toughness, and heart required to be a great catcher. I’m proud to recognize this year’s winners for upholding that standard.”
Bench makes the final decisions on the winners after scouts, media, coaches, and others nominate players from the college ranks and high schools in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia.
A display honoring Ramage and all the winners will be on display for a year inside the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
Ramage wrapped up a stellar career as a Lady Cardinal, helping to lead her team to back-to-back All-A State Championships. She picked up honors as a member of the All-Tournament team at the All-A for the second year, in addition to being All-5th District and 2nd Region. She was selected second team All-State and a West All-Star.
Ramage and her close friend and teammate, Victoria Joiner, were the only two seniors on that Livingston Central squad, and they leave behind big shoes to fill.
This is the full list of Johnny Bench Award winners for 2025.
2025 Johnny Bench Awards Winners
Top male NCAA baseball catcher
• Caden Bodine – Coastal Carolina University
Top female NCAA softball catcher
• Reese Atwood – University of Texas
Top high school catchers from Ohio
• Caleigh Shaulis – Walsh Jesuit High School (softball)
• Jace Schrock – Jonathan Alder High School (baseball)
Top high school catchers from Kentucky
• Emersyn Ramage – Livingston Central High School (softball)
• Owen Jenkins – Lexington Catholic High School (baseball)
Top high school catchers from Indiana
• Olivia Young – Jasper High School (softball)
• Johnnie Ankenbruck – Homestead High School (baseball)
Top high school catchers from West Virginia
• Tayler Likens – Frankfort High School (softball)
• Bryson McNew – Preston High School (baseball)
Photos courtesy of Amy Ramage
