May 3, 2001
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech shortstop/second baseman Richard Lewis is one of 20 collegiate standouts to be named a semifinalist for the 2001 Dick Howser Trophy. Lewis, who was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and a second-team All-America selection last year, is a semifinalist for the same award won by teammate Mark Teixeira in 2000.
The award is presented by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and goes to the top college baseball player in the nation.
The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded by many as college baseball’s most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration for the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.
The Howser Trophy was created in 1987, shortly after Howser’s death. Previous winners of the Howser Trophy are Mike Fiore, Miami, 1987, Robin Ventura, Oklahoma State, 1988, Scott Bryant, Texas, 1989, Alex Fernandez, Miami-Dade Community College South, 1990, Frank Rodriguez, Howard College (Texas), 1991, Brooks Kieschnick, Texas, 1992 and 1993, Jason Varitek, Georgia Tech, 1994, Todd Helton, Tennessee, 1995, Kris Benson, Clemson, 1996, J. D. Drew, Florida State, 1997, Eddy Furniss, LSU, 1998, Jason Jennings, Baylor, 1999 and Mark Teixera, Georgia Tech, 2000.
2001 DICK HOWSER TROPHY SEMIFINALISTS
Jeff Baker, 3B, Clemson
Brian Baron, OF, UCLA
Kenny Baugh, P, Rice
Dewon Brazelton, P, Middle Tennessee
Jeff Bruksch, P, Stanford
Chris Burke, SS, Tennessee
Frank Corr, OF, Stetson
Nate Fernley, P, Brigham Young
Jake Gautreau, 3B, Tulane
John-Ford Griffin, OF, Florida State
Aaron Heilman, P, Notre Dame
Dan Johnson, 1B, Nebraska
Richard Lewis, 2B-SS, Georgia Tech
Casey Myers, C, Arizona State
Mark Prior, P, Southern California
Kirk Saarloos, P, Cal State Fullerton
Kelly Shoppach, C, Baylor
Cory Sullivan, OF, Wake Forest
Daniel Uggla, 2B, Memphis
John Vanbenschoten, DH/ATH, Kent State
