Calarco Shines Bright on Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List
COLLEGE PARK, MD – The spotlight on Maryland baseball shines a little brighter this week as Alex Calarco proudly joins the elite ranks of the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List. This prestigious accolade honors the best amateur baseball players in the United States, and Calarco is making waves as the first Terrapin to earn a spot on this exclusive list since Matt Shaw did in 2023.
Calarco’s Stellar Season Unfolds
Calarco, a senior catcher hailing from Wilmette, Illinois, is having a career-defining season in his second year at College Park. With an impressive batting average of .327, his performance stats are nothing short of remarkable: seven doubles, 13 home runs, and 47 RBIs. These figures not only place him among the top ten nationally but also grant him the lofty position of leading the Big Ten in both home runs and runs batted in (RBIs). Notably, he was the first player in NCAA Division I to reach double-digit home runs this season, smashing his tenth against UCLA on March 8.
Accumulating Honors
Calarco’s contributions to the team have not gone unnoticed. He was earlier named the NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy National Hitter of the Month for February, reinforcing his status as a formidable player. Additionally, he earned recognition as the Golden Spikes Award National Hitter of the Week, adding to his growing list of accolades.
Get Involved: Fan Voting is Key!
As the excitement around the Golden Spikes Award builds, fans once again have the opportunity to support their favorite players. In 2025, following the semifinalist announcement scheduled for May 18, baseball enthusiasts can cast their votes at GoldenSpikesAward.com to help determine both the finalists and the award winner. The ultimate recipient will be revealed in late June, coinciding with the conclusion of the amateur baseball season.
A Proud Heritage
The Golden Spikes Award, a tradition that dates back to 1978, has celebrated outstanding amateur baseball talent. This award honors players not just for their athletic prowess but also for their sportsmanship and character. The illustrious list of past recipients boasts Major League Baseball All-Stars such as Adley Rutschman (’19), Bryce Harper (’10), and Stephen Strasburg (’09), showcasing the legacy of excellence associated with this honor. The 2024 Golden Spikes Award winner was Charlie Condon from the University of Georgia, highlighting the caliber of talent recognized by this award.
What’s Next for the Terps?
As the season progresses, the Terrapins are gearing up for a crucial weekend. They head to Champaign, Illinois, for a three-game series against Big Ten rivals. Fans can catch all the action, streamed on Big Ten Plus as well as on the Maryland Baseball Network.
As the baseball landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Alex Calarco is a player to watch, and his journey in the world of college baseball is just beginning. Keep your eyes peeled; it promises to be an exhilarating ride!
