Hernandez Tabbed a Semifinalist

May 14, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. -- Junior Bryant Hernandez was named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2009 Brooks Wallace Award on May 14, presented to the nation's top shortstop by the College Baseball Foundation and Mizuno.

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. 13 Oklahoma and the Big 12 Conference for a majority of 2009 in hits and ranks in the top five of several other offensive categories. Entering this weekend's action, Hernandez is the owner of the Big 12's top hit total at 76. He also ranks second in runs scored (59), third in RBIs (55) and fifth in total bases (122), while hitting .360.

He has started all 53 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 list features shortstops from around the country, including Kansas State's Drew Biery from the Big 12 Conference. Click here for a complete list.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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