Maximus Martin Shines on the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List
MANHATTAN, Kan. – In a thrilling recognition of his outstanding performance, junior Maximus Martin has been named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List for 2025. This prestigious accolade honors the nation’s top amateur baseball player, and Martin’s placement solidifies his status as one of the brightest talents in the sport today.
An Elite Selection Among the Nation’s Best
The Midseason Watch List showcases 45 elite athletes from both college and high school baseball. The Golden Spikes Advisory Board actively updates this list based on players’ performances throughout the season, allowing emerging stars the opportunity to shine. Maximus has become part of an elite group, being one of only 26 athletes to earn a spot since the release of the Preseason Watch List.
A Historic Achievement for K-State Baseball
Joining an exclusive club, Martin is now the fourth Wildcat in Kansas State history to make the Midseason Watch List, following in the footsteps of former greats like Jared King (2013), Ross Kivett (2014), and Brady Day (2024). In a notable representation of the Big 12 conference, two other standout players, Nolan Schubart from Oklahoma State and Brendan Summerhill from Arizona, also made the list.
Fan Involvement: A Key Element in the Golden Spikes Award
As the excitement builds towards the awarding of this prestigious honor, fan voting will play a crucial role in determining the finalists and winner. Starting May 18, baseball enthusiasts can cast their votes for their favorite players at GoldenSpikesAward.com. The Golden Spikes Award winner will be unveiled in late June, coinciding with the conclusion of the amateur baseball season.
Martin’s Stellar Performance Under the Spotlight
Maximus Martin’s journey to this prestigious recognition is no accident. This season, he’s been phenomenal, earning titles such as the Golden Spikes Award National Player of the Week and National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Shortstop of the Week. His accolades don’t stop there; Martin has also been honored as the Big 12 Player of the Week and Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week.
Leading the Charge for K-State
Hailing from Edgewater Park, N.J., Martin is dominating the Wildcat lineup, topping eight offensive categories, including:
- Batting Average: .411
- Slugging Percentage: .884
- On-Base Percentage: .491
- Runs Scored: 34
- Hits: 39
- RBIs: 39
- Home Runs: 12
- Total Bases: 84
His .884 slugging percentage not only leads the Big 12 but also ranks sixth nationally. Moreover, he finds himself 14th in Division I for home runs and 15th in RBIs per game with an impressive 1.50. Martin’s prowess at the plate is further highlighted by a team-leading 11 multi-hit games and an astounding 12 occasions where he’s recorded multiple RBIs in a single game. Notably, he became the first Wildcat since 2018 to rack up eight RBIs in one game.
Next Steps: Excitement Builds for Upcoming Series
The Kansas State Wildcats, boasting a record of 20-8 (8-1 in the Big 12), will be heading to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to face Oklahoma State (12-14, 1-6 in the Big 12) in a highly anticipated three-game series. The first pitch is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at O’Brate Stadium, where fans are eager to see Martin continue his exceptional season.
The Golden Spikes Award: Celebrating Excellence in Amateur Baseball
Since its inception in 1978, the Golden Spikes Award has celebrated the top amateur baseball talent in the nation. This esteemed award recognizes players who demonstrate not only outstanding athletic ability but also exemplary sportsmanship. Past winners include Major League Baseball All-Stars such as Adley Rutschman (2019), Bryce Harper (2010), and Stephen Strasburg (2009). For fans wanting to connect with the award, you can follow updates on Instagram and Twitter @USAGoldenSpikes.
With Maximus Martin on the watch list, the baseball world eagerly awaits what’s next for this burgeoning star. Will he claim the Golden Spikes Award? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the spotlight is shining brightly on him this season.
