Anderson, Matthews Among Semifinalists for Dick Howser Trophy

Juniors Max Anderson and Brice Matthews were two of the 60 semifinalists for the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to the top college baseball player in the country in conjunction with the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.

Nebraska is one of 13 programs in the nation with multiple players on the list.

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

Anderson is having a breakout 2023 junior campaign, batting .408 with 19 doubles, two triples, 20 home runs, 68 RBI and 48 runs. Anderson is one of three players nationally hitting at least .400 at the plate with 19-plus home runs and 65 or more RBI this season. The Omaha native is third nationally with 92 hits on the season. Anderson is tied for eighth on the single-season charts in program history with 20 home runs and 41 extra-base hits.

Matthews is batting .380 with 11 doubles, two triples, 20 home runs, 65 RBI and 61 runs scored this season. With 20 home runs and 19 stolen bases, Matthews is inching closer to becoming the first player in program history to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases in a season. On a national scale going back to at least 2011, six players have reached the 20-20 club, including two in the regular-season. With 20 home runs, Matthews is tied for eighth with Steve Stanicek and Anderson for the most home runs in a single-season by a Husker.

This is the 36th year of the Dick Howser Trophy. The finalists will be announced on Thursday, June 8. The 2023 award will be presented at Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha, the home of the College World Series for the 11th year. The winner will be unveiled on MLB Network on Thursday, June 15.