April 26, 2001
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CHICAGO - Twenty collegiate standouts were named as the semifinalists
for the 2001 Dick Howser Trophy, it was announced today. The award is
presented by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, in
conjunction with the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Chamber of Commerce and goes to
the top college baseball player. Voting on the award is done by the more
than 200-person membership of the NCBWA.
The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State
University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who
died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded by many as college baseball's most
prestigious award. Criteria for consideration for the trophy include
performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities
that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.
A Florida native, Howser was twice an All-America shortstop at
Florida State University (1957-58), then coached the Seminoles in 1979 after
a career as a major league player and coach. After one year in the college
ranks, Howser returned to the majors to manage the New York Yankees and
Kansas City Royals and won the World Series with the Royals in 1985.
The winner's name is inscribed on the permanent trophy, a bronze
bust of Howser permanently displayed at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg,
home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the 1999 NCAA Men's Basketball Final
Four. Both the winner and his school receive a special trophy to keep.
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its
100th birthday in 1999. The organization has long been a vital force in the
baseball affairs of the city, both in spring training and during the pursuit
of a major league baseball franchise for the Tampa Bay area, and continues
its solid role in the 21st Century.
The Howser Trophy was created in 1987, shortly after Howser's death. 1987-98
winners were selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Previous
winners of the Howser Trophy are Mike Fiore, Miami, 1987, Robin Ventura,
Oklahoma State, 1988, Scott Bryant, Texas, 1989, Alex Fernandez, Miami-Dade
Community College South, 1990, Frank Rodriguez, Howard College (Texas),
1991, Brooks Kieschnick, Texas, 1992 and 1993, Jason Varitek, Georgia Tech,
1994, Todd Helton, Tennessee, 1995, Kris Benson, Clemson, 1996, J. D. Drew,
Florida State, 1997, Eddy Furniss, LSU, 1998, Jason Jennings, Baylor, 1999
and Mark Teixera, Georgia Tech.
2001 DICK HOWSER TROPHY SEMIFINALISTS
Jeff Baker, 3B, Clemson
Brian Baron, OF, UCLA
Kenny Baugh, P, Rice
Dewon Brazelton, P, Middle Tennessee
Jeff Bruksch, P, Stanford
Chris Burke, SS, Tennessee
Frank Corr, OF, Stetson
Nate Fernley, P, Brigham Young
Jake Gautreau, 3B, Tulane
John-Ford Griffin, OF, Florida State
Aaron Heilman, P, Notre Dame
Dan Johnson, 1B, Nebraska
Richard Lewis, 2B, Georgia Tech
Casey Myers, C, Arizona State
Mark Prior, P, Southern California
Kirk Saarloos, P, Cal State Fullerton
Kelly Shoppach, C, Baylor
Cory Sullivan, OF, Wake Forest
Daniel Uggla, 2B, Memphis
John Vanbenschoten, DH/ATH, Kent State
