Tuesday, June 01, 2010

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (June 1, 2010) - After having the best season of anyone to have ever worn a Buccaneer uniform, junior Paul Hoilman (Johnson City, Tenn.) was named one of 30 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award, announced by USA Baseball on Tuesday.

"This is a tremendous honor for Paul," said head coach Tony Skole. "To be mentioned as one of the top 30 semifinalists for this prestigious award is evidence to all that he represents. I couldn't be happier for Paul and all the well deserved recognition he is receiving for this season. I was amazing to watch him perform at such a high level on a daily basis."

The Golden Spikes Award, which is comparable to the Heisman trophy in football, is presented to the nation's top amateur player every year. Fans can follow the Gold Spike Award online at GoldenSpikesAward.com as the list of 30 players will be narrowed to five finalists on Tuesday, June 8, en route to the announcement of this year's winner on Tuesday, July 13

Hoilman finished the year ranked top 25 nationally in batting average (.421), hits (99), runs (79), doubles (24), home runs (24), RBI (84), total bases (202), walks (51), slugging percentage (.860) and on base percentage (.526). The Atlantic Sun Player of the Year set ETSU single season records for hits, home runs, extra base hits, total bases, RBI, runs and walks. The Johnson City, Tenn. native also holds the career record for RBI (197) and walks (117), and tied Mike Nipper with 51 career home runs at the Atlantic Sun baseball tournament.

Beginning today fans will be able to vote on the 2010 GSA by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com and selecting their favorite amateur player. Past winners of the Golden Spikes Award include Jason Varitek, Pat Burrell, Tim Lincecum and Stephen Strasburg

For more information on Buccaneer baseball or any other athletic news, please visit www.ETSUBucs.com.