Hernandez, Jackson Named To Golden Spikes Award Watch List
Feb. 17, 2009
DURHAM, N.C. – Two University of Miami baseball players – sophomore pitcher Chris Hernandez and junior shortstop Ryan Jackson – have been named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List, as announced by USA Baseball on Tuesday. The award, given annually to the top player in college baseball, is sponsored by Major League Baseball and will be presented for the 32nd time this season.
Hernandez is coming off one of the most decorated freshman seasons in school history, finishing a perfect 11-0 with a 2.72 ERA en route to numerous All-American honors. The Miami native, who struck out a team-high 117 batters in 112 2/3 innings in 2008, was recognized as the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association. He was named First Team All-America by Louisville Slugger and Second Team All-America by Baseball America and Rivals.com. He was also named Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and First Team All-ACC after going 8-0 in 10 league starts.
Jackson also had a breakout year in 2008, hitting .360 with four home runs, 50 RBI, 49 runs scored and 10 stolen bases en route to First Team All-ACC honors. He led the Hurricanes with 19 doubles in 2008, in addition to ranking second in at-bats (242) and hits (87) and third in batting average. His .360 average at the conclusion of his sophomore season was 124 points higher than his average in 2007 (.236), easily the greatest turnaround on the UM roster. Jackson also had another stellar year defensively at shortstop, committing just eight errors on 310 chances for a .974 fielding percentage.
The watch list features 50 of the nation’s top collegiate talents, and it will be a “rolling” list to ensure that athletes can play themselves into consideration. On May 26, USA Baseball officials will cut the watch list of players to 30 names. The final list of 30 will then be sent to a voting body consisting of select professional baseball personnel, past USA Baseball National Team coaches, select members of the media, former USA Baseball sports information directors, and current USA Baseball staff – close to 150 voters in total.
Fan voting will once again be a part of the Golden Spikes Award in 2009. May 26 will also mark the day when college baseball fans from across the country will be able to vote for their favorite player for the Golden Spikes Award on www.goldenspikesaward.com. As part of this selection process, all voters will be asked to choose five players from the list of 30 names. On June 2, USA Baseball will announce the five finalists, and voting will once again commence that same day.
The 2009 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award will be presented nationally July 15 on an award show via live telecast from St. Louis in conjunction with the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Weekend Festivities.
Last season, Miami also had two players on the preseason list – juniors Yonder Alonso and Jemile Weeks.
Miami opens its 2009 season at newly-renovated Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field on Friday, Feb. 20 against Rutgers. For ticket information for the 2009 season, call 1-800-GO-CANES, visit www.hurricanesports.com or email canestix@miami.edu.
