Oregon State University junior infielder Travis Bazzana has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2024 Golden Spikes Award, presented annually by USA Baseball to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. This recognition marks a significant achievement in Bazzana’s standout season and underscores his pivotal role in the Beavers’ success.([Oregon State University Athletics][1])
### A Season of Record-Breaking Performance
Bazzana, a native of Sydney, Australia, has delivered a historic season for Oregon State. He leads the Pac-12 Conference with a .429 batting average and 26 home runs, ranking second and seventh nationally in these categories, respectively. His remarkable performance extends beyond power hitting; Bazzana also leads the nation in on-base percentage (.587), is second in slugging percentage (.963) and walks (68), and fourth in runs scored (80) .([The Bulletin][2], [Oregon State University Athletics][1])
Throughout the season, Bazzana has shattered multiple Oregon State records, including single-season marks for home runs and total bases (183). He is within four runs of breaking the school record for runs scored and just nine walks shy of surpassing the existing record. His .429 batting average and .963 slugging percentage would both set new program standards if the season concluded today .([Oregon State University Athletics][1])
### National Recognition and Semifinalist Status
Bazzana’s exceptional performance has garnered national attention, culminating in his selection as one of 25 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award. Notably, he is the sole representative from the Pac-12 Conference among the semifinalists, highlighting his outstanding contributions to college baseball. This honor places him among an elite group of players vying for the top individual accolade in amateur baseball .([Oregon State University Athletics][1])
### Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Bazzana remains a key figure in Oregon State’s lineup, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive prowess. His continued excellence not only enhances his prospects for the Golden Spikes Award but also solidifies his status as one of the premier players in collegiate baseball. The finalists for the 2024 Golden Spikes Award will be announced on June 5, with the winner to be revealed on June 22 .([Oregon State University Athletics][1])
In summary, Travis Bazzana’s selection as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award underscores his exceptional talent and remarkable season. His achievements have not only set new standards at Oregon State but have also earned him recognition on the national stage, affirming his position as one of the top amateur baseball players in the country.([The Bulletin][2])