University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Trio Named Semifinalists for Dick Howser Trophy
May 15, 2025 | Baseball
DALLAS – Tennessee had an NCAA-leading three players tabbed as semifinalists for the 2025 Dick Howser Trophy, the Dick Howser Trophy Committee, in conjunction with the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, announced on Thursday.
Liam Doyle, Andrew Fischer and Gavin Kilen were among the 64 players across the nation named to the Dick Howser Trophy semifinalists list, matching Arkansas and Florida State for the most of any program. The Southeastern Conference led all leagues with 18 players included on the list.
One of the most prestigious awards in college baseball, the Dick Howser Trophy has been given to the top player based on two rounds of national voting by NCBWA members since 1987. It is given in memory of the former Florida State All-American shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.
Doyle has been one of the nation's top pitchers all season long, leading the NCAA with 127 strikeouts and 15.31 strikeouts per nine innings through 13 weeks. The junior southpaw boasts an impressive 9-2 record to go along with an SEC-best 2.17 ERA, which also ranks 10th nationally. Doyle's 0.80 WHIP is the second-lowest in the nation, as well.
Fischer has been one of the SEC's most dangerous hitters this year, leading the league and ranking tied for third in the country with 21 home runs. The junior first baseman is the only player in the SEC to have reached base safely in every game this season and, dating back to 2024, carries a 56-game on-base streak into this week's series at Arkansas. Fischer also ranks among the SEC and national leaders in walks (54) and slugging percentage (.760).
Kilen has been another consistent presence at the top of Tennessee's lineup this season and despite missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury, still ranks second on the team with 14 homers to go along with 36 RBIs, a .365 batting average and a 1.191 OPS. The junior infielder's 27 extra-base hits rank second on the team while his 115 total bases are third most for the Vols. Â
The full list of semifinalists can be seen on the NCBWA website, HERE. The finalists for the 38th Dick Howser Trophy will be announced on Thursday, June 7.
The 2025 news conference with the winner will be held at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the home of the Men's College World Series. The winner also will be unveiled on MLB Network in a special national presentation at 10:30 a.m. ET prior to the news conference in Omaha at 11 a.m. ET in the Charles Schwab Field Media Room before the first game of the 78th NCAA MCWS.
Liam Doyle, Andrew Fischer and Gavin Kilen were among the 64 players across the nation named to the Dick Howser Trophy semifinalists list, matching Arkansas and Florida State for the most of any program. The Southeastern Conference led all leagues with 18 players included on the list.
One of the most prestigious awards in college baseball, the Dick Howser Trophy has been given to the top player based on two rounds of national voting by NCBWA members since 1987. It is given in memory of the former Florida State All-American shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.
Doyle has been one of the nation's top pitchers all season long, leading the NCAA with 127 strikeouts and 15.31 strikeouts per nine innings through 13 weeks. The junior southpaw boasts an impressive 9-2 record to go along with an SEC-best 2.17 ERA, which also ranks 10th nationally. Doyle's 0.80 WHIP is the second-lowest in the nation, as well.
Fischer has been one of the SEC's most dangerous hitters this year, leading the league and ranking tied for third in the country with 21 home runs. The junior first baseman is the only player in the SEC to have reached base safely in every game this season and, dating back to 2024, carries a 56-game on-base streak into this week's series at Arkansas. Fischer also ranks among the SEC and national leaders in walks (54) and slugging percentage (.760).
Kilen has been another consistent presence at the top of Tennessee's lineup this season and despite missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury, still ranks second on the team with 14 homers to go along with 36 RBIs, a .365 batting average and a 1.191 OPS. The junior infielder's 27 extra-base hits rank second on the team while his 115 total bases are third most for the Vols. Â
The full list of semifinalists can be seen on the NCBWA website, HERE. The finalists for the 38th Dick Howser Trophy will be announced on Thursday, June 7.
The 2025 news conference with the winner will be held at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the home of the Men's College World Series. The winner also will be unveiled on MLB Network in a special national presentation at 10:30 a.m. ET prior to the news conference in Omaha at 11 a.m. ET in the Charles Schwab Field Media Room before the first game of the 78th NCAA MCWS.
Players Mentioned
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