Deming named Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist

DALLAS — BYU third baseman Austin Deming has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually the nation’s top college baseball player. 

Balloting for the award was conducted by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, in conjunction with the Dick Howser Trophy Committee and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The 2023 semifinalist list consists of 60 candidates from 17 conferences and 42 different schools. Deming is one of seven third baseman to make the semifinalist list and the only semifinalist representing the West Coast Conference in 2023.

Deming currently leads the WCC in batting average (.408), RBI (57), home runs (16), total bases (130) and slugging percentage (.850). He is second in doubles (21), on base percentage (.469) and hits per game (1.63). 

The senior from Santa Clara, Utah, leads BYU in nearly every offensive category, including batting average, hits (64), RBI, doubles, home runs, total bases (136), slugging percentage and on base percentage. 

The Dick Howser Trophy, presented by The Game Headwear, is awarded in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager, who died of brain cancer in 1987. The award is regarded as baseball's most prestigious honor. 

Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.

Finalists for the 36th annual Dick Howser Trophy will be announced on June 8. The 2023 award will be presented at Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha, the home of the College World Series. The winner will be unveiled on MLB Network on Thursday, June 15, in the 9 a.m. (CDT) hour. A press conference with the winner will be held on June 16 at 10 a.m., the opening day just prior to the first game of the 76th NCAA College World Series.