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JJ Wetherholt is a semifinalist for the most prestigious individual award in college baseball for the second straight year. The National College Baseball Writers Association announced Wetherholt as a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy Thursday afternoon.

Wetherholt is one of 68 semifinalists around the country, but one of only four to represent the Big 12. Despite missing half of the season with an injury, Wetherholt leads the Mountaineers with a .384 batting average and has six home runs and 26 RBI in just 26 games played entering the day. Wetherholt’s 25 walks to only 10 strikeouts stands as one of the best ratios in the country.

Last year, the Mars, Pa. native advanced all the way to being one of five finalists for the award that’s recognized as the Heisman Trophy of college baseball. In 2023, Wetherholt hit .449 with 16 home runs and 36 bases stolen bases.

JJ Wetherholt is now the first Mountaineer to ever become a two-time semifinalist in WVU baseball history. Alek Manoah was the other most recent honoree prior to Wetherholt in 2019.

Below includes a description of the Dick Howser Trophy as written by WVU Athletics.

“The Dick Howser Trophy, presented by The Game Headwear, is 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. The trophy is regarded as baseball’s most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.”

This article first appeared on WV Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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