Hunter Barco named to Golden Spikes Watch List
Hunter Barco was named to the Golden Spikes Midseason Watch List, as announced by USA Baseball.
Barco is one of 45 players to make the cut on the midseason watch list and was on the preseason watch list as well.
“We are thrilled to recognize these forty-five amateur athletes on the Golden Spikes Award midseason watch list for their incredible performances throughout the first half of the 2022 season,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball’s Executive Director, and CEO. “Each of these athletes has proven themselves worthy of consideration for this prestigious award through both their talent and character. We look forward to seeing what the rest of this exciting season holds before crowning the latest Golden Spikes Award winner in June.”
This is the first time Barco has been included on the midseason watch list for the award. He was on the preseason watch list in 2021 and again in 2022.
Barco pacing the Gators
This year the Florida Gators ace has struck out 58 batters while issuing just seven free passes. That translates to 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings, 1.5 walks per nine, and an 8.3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Of the top-50 pitchers currently qualifying for the national ERA title, Barco’s 33 1/3 innings are the fifth highest.
Barco boasts a 5-1 record (7 starts) and ranks sixth in the SEC with a 1.87 ERA. His 58 strikeouts ranked second in the SEC behind Tennessee’s Chase Dollander (60). Barco’s 0.76 WHIP (walk plus hits per innings pitched) ranks eighth nationally.
About the Golden Spikes Award
The Golden Spikes Award is given out annually to the best amateur baseball player in the United States. It is considered the most prestigious award that can be won in college baseball.
Fan voting will once again play a part in the Golden Spikes Award in 2022. Fans will be able to vote for their favorite players on GoldenSpikesAward.com, starting on May 24 with the naming of the Golden Spikes Award semifinalists. USA Baseball will announce the finalists for the award on June 8 and fan voting will open at GoldenSpikesAward.com concurrently, remaining open through June 12.
The 2021 Golden Spikes Award winner was Kevin Kopps from the University of Arkansas. The Gators have had just one player take the award home. Catcher Mike Zunino won the award in July of 2012. Zunino was selected third overall by the Seattle Mariners a month prior to earning the Golden Spikes. That season he led the Gators with 19 home runs and 67 RBIs and hit .322. He led the nation in sacrifice flies and was third in doubles and fourth in home runs.
