LSU superstar Dylan Crews named 2023 Golden Spikes Award winner as college baseball's top player

LSU slugger Dylan Crews has been named the 2023 Golden Spikes Award winner ahead of Game 2 of the College World Series final.

The finalists for the award came down to LSU’s Crews and Paul Skenes, and Florida‘s Jac Caglianone. All three men, who will be prominently featured in Sunday’s pivotal CWS game, made their own case to win the award, but in the end, it was Crews who came away with college baseball’s most prestigious award.

Minutes before Crews took the field for Game 2, ESPN interviewed his father, George, to describe what it means to his family to see him in the position he’s in right now: one win away from becoming a national champion.

“It’s all about this team,” Crews’ father said. “It’s unbelievable. Jay Johnson is the greatest coach in baseball. The guys that he’s put together, the development — Dylan could not do this without all of those guys. That’s what it’s all about.”

𝐃𝐘𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐒. pic.twitter.com/TLxirqNsvj

— Golden Spikes Award (@USAGoldenSpikes) June 25, 2023

His mother, Kim, reflected on his entire baseball career and all the sacrifices she has made leading up to this moment.

“He’s worked so hard throughout his life for this moment. I’m such a proud mom,” she said. “I can’t even put it into words. He’s living his whole dream and I’m so happy for him.”

Crews is hitting .423 on the season with 18 homers and 69 RBIs. He is also an excellent centerfielder and has already received a Gold Glove for his defensive efforts. He is also in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s MLB draft. 

He had the opportunity to leave school after last season but wasn’t sure of his future based on the feedback he was receiving. He ultimately withdrew and would probably tell anyone that coming back has been the best decision of his career.

Crews was already touted as the best defender and hitter at his position, and now there’s no question that he is the top overall player in college baseball in 2023. Based on what he’s been able to do since the season began — it’s hard to argue with that.

Now, with Crews looks to become a Golden Spikes Award winner and a national champion all in a few hours span. With the star slugger at the helm, LSU looks to take home its first national championship since 2009 with a victory over Florida on Sunday.

Catch the game right now live on ESPN.