Baseball player named semifinalist for inaugural Gregg Olson Award

May 31, 2013 | News, UToday
By Brian DeBenedictis



Junior outfielder Tyler Grogg has been selected a semifinalist for the inaugural Gregg Olson Award that will be presented by Toolshed Sports to college baseball’s “Breakout Player of the Year” based on hard work, strength of mind and determination.

Grogg

Grogg

Grogg is among 46 players on the list and one of three from the Mid-American Conference. He is joined by Ball State’s Scott Baker and Northern Illinois’ Eli Anderson.

The fourth-year Rocket batted a team-high .357 (74 for 207) with a squad-best 62 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, one home run, 20 RBI and a team-high 36 stolen bases this spring.

Grogg sits first in school history in thefts and fourth in runs scored in the single-season record book. The 2013 College Sports Madness All-MAC first-team recipient reached base in 47 games and hit safely in 41 contests, posting a squad-best 25 multi-hit and three multi-RBI efforts.

In 2012, Grogg started 20 of 48 games and batted .200 (16 for 80) with 11 runs scored, two doubles, seven RBI and 10 stolen bases.

The award is named after former Auburn University star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first-round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and Major League Baseball All-Star.

Initial nominations were made by university representatives, and the semifinalists were determined by an independent panel. A list of finalists is scheduled to be announced Monday, June 3, in conjunction with the conclusion of NCAA regional play.

The winner of the 2013 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Neb., during the College World Series, which will be held at TD Ameritrade Park Saturday through Wednesday, June 15-26.

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