Official Release

KENNESAW, Ga. -  Kennesaw State catcher Max Pentecost was named one of five finalists for the prestigious Dick Howser Award, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced on Thursday.
 
Pentecost, along with Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto, LSU pitcher Aaron Nola, Kentucky utility player A.J. Reed and Oregon State pitcher Ben Wetzler are the top vote recipients from two ballots for the 28th annual Howser Trophy laurels, with the winner announced on opening day of the 68th annual NCAA World Series Saturday, June 14, at Omaha, Neb.

Pentecost's season has him ranked near the top of many categories nationally. The junior leads the nation in hits with 110 while ranking second nationally in batting average and in total bases. He is also in the top 25 in five other offensive categories. Pentecost can do it all behind the plate as well, hosing 21 runners attempting to steal on him to go along with a .975 fielding percentage.

Balloting was conducted by members of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, in conjunction with the Dick Howser Trophy committee and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
 
Each finalist also represents the ideals of character, leadership, desire, and competitive spirit exhibited by Dick Howser, the All-America shortstop and later head coach at Florida State, before managing the Kansas City Royals to the world championship in 1985. He also is the namesake for Dick Howser Stadium at FSU.

Two weeks ago, Pentecost was named Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and was later named to the A-Sun First Team All-Conference. Later that same week, he was recognized as a member of the A-Sun All-Tournament team after going 7-16 and scoring seven runs to help lead KSU to their first ever conference tournament title.
 
Last week, Pentecost was key in leading the Owls to their first ever Regional Championship and a birth in this weekend's Super Regional in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 6-14 with three RBIs while scoring two runs. He was named to the Tallahassee All-Regional Team.

Pentecost is also a finalists for the Johnny Bench Award for the Nation's Top Catcher. Last week he was named to the Greg Olson Watch List which is given to the college baseball's breakout player of the year.
  
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State baseball news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsBaseball or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
  




 

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