Hernandez Named to Shortstop List

NORMAN, Okla. -- Junior Bryant Hernandez was tabbed by the College Baseball Foundation and Mizuno to the initial watch list for the 2009 Brooks Wallace Award. For the first time since its creation in 2004, the Wallace Award will honor the country's top shortstop. Previously, the Wallace Award was given to the national player of the year.

Hernandez has led No. 9 Oklahoma and the Big 12 Conference for a majority of the season in several offensive categories. Entering this weekend's action, Hernandez is the owner of the Big 12's top batting average at .381 while also leading the conference in hits (68) and ranking third in runs scored (51) and fourth in RBIs (49). He has started all 45 games this season at shortstop and already has surpassed all of his career totals from his two previous seasons at OU.

The award changed its focus following the creation of the College Baseball Awards Show, in collaboration with the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the Dick Howser Trophy Committee. The Howser Trophy has recognized the best overall player in the country for 23 years and will continue to do so. Both the Wallace Award and the Howser Award will be presented as part of the College Baseball Awards Show on July 2 in Lubbock.

“Transitioning the Wallace Award to a position player award will give increased attention to the position that Brooks Wallace played when he was in college,” said Raymond Richardson, CBF board member and College Baseball Awards Show chair. “The Wallace family embraced this idea and we are thrilled to honor Brooks in this way.”

The watch list features shortstops from around the country, including three from the Big 12, ACC, Big West and Conference USA. Click here for a complete list.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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