Cowboy hurler one of 60 on list for top amateur baseball player
Andrew Heaney
May 1, 2012
DURHAM, N.C. – Oklahoma State pitcher Andrew Heaney has been named to the 60-man midseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List, it was announced today by USA Baseball.
The Golden Spikes Award is presented annually to the top amateur baseball player in the country. Semifinalists for the award will be announced on May 29, and the trophy will be awarded on July 6.
Heaney has established himself as one of college baseball’s elite pitchers in 2012. In 11 starts, the southpaw is 6-1 with three complete games (two shutouts) and a 1.82 ERA. Named a midseason All-American by Baseball America, he ranks second in the NCAA with 102 strikeouts in 84.0 innings and has recorded eight or more strikeouts in nine of his 11 appearances.
With his 102 strikeouts, Heaney is the first OSU pitcher to reach 100 Ks in a season since Matt Smith racked up 114 in 2000.
Heaney could become the second OSU player to win the Golden Spikes Award, joining Robin Ventura, who captured the prestigious honor in 1988.
