Jurich Named Semifinalist for Howser Trophy
May 09, 2002 | Baseball
May 9, 2002
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- University of Louisville Cardinal sophomore outfielder Mark Jurich has been selected as one of 40 semifinalists for the the Dick Howser Trophy, given to the top player in collegiate baseball.
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 announced at the College World Series in Omaha on Friday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. EDT.
Jurich is among the nation's leaders in a number of offensive categories including batting average(.404), triples(5) and home runs(14). Jurich has posted an .814 slugging percentage this season, with 50 RBI, 24 walks, is 4 for 4 on steals and has yet to commit an error in the outfield in 40 games.
Last season Jurich was an honorable mention member of the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team and Conference USA All-Freshman team after hitting .274 with 13 doubles, seven home runs and 25 RBI in his initial college campaign.
Earlier this season, Jurich was named by Collegiate Baseball as one of its Louisville Slugger's National Players of the Week, as well as Conference USA Hitter of the Week after he was 7 for 12 in three games with five home runs, a double, two walks and 10 RBI. He also had 22 total bases and a 1.833 slugging percentage in the three game stretch.
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.
Jurich is joined by fellow C-USA players James Jurries of Tulane and Brad Sullivan and Jesse Crain of Houston on the list. Previous winners of the award include Robin Ventura, Todd Helton, J.D. Drew and last year's winner Mark Prior.
