Baker, Greene Named Two of 40 Semi-Finalists for Dick Howser Trophy

May 11, 2002

Charlottesville, VA —

Jeff Baker and Khalil Greene were named two of 40 semi-finalists for the Dick Howser Trophy Friday, May 10. The award goes to the top player in collegiate baseball based on performance on the field, leadership, moral character, and courage, which were all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.

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. The membership of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association will choose the Dick Howser Trophy based on three rounds of voting. The 2002 winner will be announced at the College World Series in Omaha on Friday, June 14 at 10:30 AM EDT.

Khalil Greene is hitting .475 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs in 50 games this season. He also currently is on a 16-game hitting streak. The senior shortstop from Key West, FL has 364 career hits, two shy of the ACC record of 366. He needs just one double to set the ACC record for doubles as well. But perhaps what maked Greene one of the leading candidates for the award is his defensive prowess. His .959 fielding percentage is an outstanding mark for a shortstop.

Jeff Baker, a junior third baseman from Woodbridge, VA, is hitting .330 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 47 games. His 50 career homers ranks fourth-best in Clemson history, just shy of the Tiger record of 53. Baker was recently named the #3 college prospect for the upcoming Major League Draft in June by Baseball America.

The ACC has 10 players among the 40 semi-finalists, most in the country. The SEC has the second most with six, while the Pac-10 has five. An ACC player has won the award in four of the last eight seasons. Former Tiger pitcher Kris Benson won the award in 1996.