University of North Carolina Athletics
Diamond Heels Duo Named Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalists
May 15, 2025 | Baseball
DALLASÂ - North Carolina pitcher Jake Knapp and catcher Luke Stevenson have been selected as semifinalists for the 2025 Dick Howser Trophy, given annually to the top player in college baseball as voted on by the National College Baseball Writer's Association.
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Knapp has been the class of the ACC, racking up 71.0 innings thrown with 67 strikeouts and just 13 walks while holding a conference best 2.03 ERA. This year he is 10-0, the best record of any starting pitcher in the nation, leading the Tar Heels to victory in all 12 of his appearances.
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Stevenson has been exceptional at the plate and in the field this season. Carolina's leader in home runs (16, 3rd ACC) and walks (52, 1st ACC) has also thrown out 32% of attempted base stealers.
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Carolina is one of nine schools to have more than one candidate make the list. NCBWA voting membership includes writers, broadcasters and publicists.
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The Dick Howser Trophy, presented by The Game Headwear, is given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987. The trophy is regarded as baseball's most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.
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The '25 news conference with the winner will be held at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the home of the College World Series, for the 13th year. The winner also will be unveiled on MLB Network in a special national presentation at 9:30 a.m. (CDT) prior to the Friday, June 13, news conference in Omaha at 10 a.m. (CDT) in the Schwab Field Media Room before the first game of the 78th NCAA College World Series.
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The No. 4 Tar Heels are back on the diamond tonight in a heavyweight clash with No. 2 Florida State in the aforementioned Dick Howser Stadium. First pitch will be at 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage on ACC Network.
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Knapp has been the class of the ACC, racking up 71.0 innings thrown with 67 strikeouts and just 13 walks while holding a conference best 2.03 ERA. This year he is 10-0, the best record of any starting pitcher in the nation, leading the Tar Heels to victory in all 12 of his appearances.
Â
Stevenson has been exceptional at the plate and in the field this season. Carolina's leader in home runs (16, 3rd ACC) and walks (52, 1st ACC) has also thrown out 32% of attempted base stealers.
Â
Carolina is one of nine schools to have more than one candidate make the list. NCBWA voting membership includes writers, broadcasters and publicists.
Â
The Dick Howser Trophy, presented by The Game Headwear, is given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987. The trophy is regarded as baseball's most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.
Â
The '25 news conference with the winner will be held at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the home of the College World Series, for the 13th year. The winner also will be unveiled on MLB Network in a special national presentation at 9:30 a.m. (CDT) prior to the Friday, June 13, news conference in Omaha at 10 a.m. (CDT) in the Schwab Field Media Room before the first game of the 78th NCAA College World Series.
Â
The No. 4 Tar Heels are back on the diamond tonight in a heavyweight clash with No. 2 Florida State in the aforementioned Dick Howser Stadium. First pitch will be at 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage on ACC Network.
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Players Mentioned
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