Hagen Smith, a pitcher from Arkansas, has been announced as one of the finalists for the Dick Howser Trophy, an esteemed accolade presented yearly by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association to recognize the most outstanding player in college baseball. Named in honor of the late Dick Howser, a former Florida State All-America shortstop and MLB player and manager who passed away from brain cancer in 1987, this trophy holds significant prestige in the baseball community, often likened to the Heisman Trophy. The selection criteria encompass on-field performance, leadership qualities, moral character, and courage. The 37th Dick Howser Trophy will be awarded on Friday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb.
Additionally, Smith finds himself in contention for the Golden Spikes Award, an esteemed recognition presented annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player who demonstrates outstanding on-field prowess and exemplary sportsmanship. The 46th Golden Spikes Award ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, at 6 p.m. on ESPN, just before the commencement of game one of the College World Series.
Smith made his case as the best pitcher in all of college baseball, completing the 2024 campaign with a 9-2 record, 2.04 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 84.0 innings over 16 starts. The junior left-hander, named the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year after going 7-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 60.0 innings over 10 SEC starts on the mound, led the country with an NCAA-record 17.3 strikeouts per nine innings on the season and finished ranked first nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (4.4), second in strikeouts (161), fourth in ERA (2.04) and seventh in WHIP (0.89).
Smith solidified his standing as the premier pitcher in collegiate baseball, concluding the 2024 season with impressive statistics: a 9-2 record, a 2.04 ERA, and a remarkable 161 strikeouts across 84.0 innings pitched over 16 starts. As a junior left-hander, he earned recognition as the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year, dominating with a perfect 7-0 record, a 1.35 ERA, and 110 strikeouts in 60.0 innings across 10 starts within the SEC. Notably, Smith led the nation with an unprecedented 17.3 strikeouts per nine innings for the season, setting an NCAA record in the process. He also ranked first nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (4.4), second in total strikeouts (161), fourth in ERA (2.04), and seventh in WHIP (0.89).
Hailing from Bullard, Texas, Smith showcased his prowess with 11 quality starts and set a program record with 11 double-digit strikeout performances throughout the year. His remarkable campaign saw him surpassing both the all-time career strikeout record and the single-season strikeout record for Arkansas baseball. With a career total of 360 strikeouts, Smith surpassed Razorback legend Nick Schmidt (345) for the top spot in the program’s history. Additionally, he eclipsed David Walling’s single-season strikeout record of 155, established in 1999, to claim the program’s single-season strikeout record with 161 strikeouts in 2024.
