Senior Brett Sears was one of 68 semifinalists for the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to the top college baseball player in the country in conjunction with the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.
The Dick Howser Trophy, presented by The Game Headwear, given in memory of the former Florida State All-America shortstop and major league player and manager, who died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded as baseball's most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.
Sears is having a breakout 2024 campaign, ranking among the national leaders throughout the season. The Westphalia, Iowa, native has totaled 10 quality starts and is 7-0 with a 2.11 ERA, which ranks fifth in the country. Sears leads the country with a 0.81 WHIP and sits 15th in hits allowed/9 inn. (5.70) and 18th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.53).
Earlier this season, Sears’ nine consecutive quality starts were the most by a Nebraska hurler since at least 1999, and the longest streak this season by any starting pitcher in Division I.
The senior has allowed four-or-fewer hits in eight of his 13 outings, as opponents are hitting just .176 (54-for-307) against the right-hander.
This is the 37th year of the Dick Howser Trophy. The finalists will be announced on Thursday, June 6. The 2024 award will be presented at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the home of the College World Series for the 12th year. The winner will be unveiled on MLB Network on Thursday, June 13.