Ryan Braun Named to Golden Spikes Watch List

April 7, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Miami shortstop Ryan Braun was one of 30 college baseball players named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List Wednesday afternoon.

The Golden Spikes Award has been presented annually by USA Baseball since 1978 to the player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship.

Braun, a native of Granada Hills, Calif., is hitting .353 with five home runs and 29 RBI. He boasts a .485 on-base percentage while playing excellent defense at shortstop. Braun was the 2003 Baseball America National Freshman of the Year.

Braun’s bat in the middle of the Hurricanes’ lineup has help UM open the season with a 24-6 record and a No. 5 national ranking. Miami is hitting .326 as a team, pounding out 11.3 hits per game a scoring 9.2 runs per contest.

Miami travels to Florida State this weekend for a three-game series with the Seminoles. Game times are set for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with Sunday’s series finale scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday and Sunday’s games will be broadcast live on the Sunshine Network.