Diaz Named Gregg Olson Award Semifinalist
OMAHA, Neb. — Miami Hurricanes’ sophomore lefthander Chris Diaz was among the 46 players named semifinalists for the inaugural Gregg Olson Award, honoring college baseball’s “Breakout Player of the Year.”
Diaz ended the regular season ranked among the conference leaders in a number of key statistical categories, including ERA (1.58, second) and innings pitched (96.2, second). The Florida City, Fla., native, who has delivered 12 quality starts in 14 opportunities, held hitters to a .253 average and surrendered just one homerun this season. The southpaw walked just 18 batters on the year, tied for the fewest among Miami’s regular starters, and struck out 63.
As a freshman with the Hurricanes in 2012, Diaz made just two starts, recording a 4.18 ERA in 32.1 innings of work. But after being awarded the role of Friday night starter prior to the team’s opening series against Rutgers, Diaz finished the year tied for the conference lead in starts (14) and recorded a 2.01 ERA during conference competition.
Diaz was one of six players from the Atlantic Coast Conference to be named semifinalists, joining Garrett Boulware (Clemson), Devin Burke (Virginia Tech), Mike Papi (Virginia), Scott Sitz (Florida State) and Cody Stubbs (North Carolina).
The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these players have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.
A list of finalists is scheduled to be announced on Monday, June 3rd in conjunction with the conclusion of NCAA Regional play. The winner of the 2013 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 15-June 25/26. 2013
