Hagen Smith named as semifinalist for Golden Spikes Award

Hagen Smith was named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.

Hagen Smith had a great sophomore season, and the postseason recognition he is receiving reflects that.

Already honored on the All-SEC first team, Smith has also been named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award. The Golden Spikes Award is collegiate baseball’s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best amateur baseball player.

The lefty is the eighth Arkansas player since 2007 to be named a semifinalist for the award. Two Diamond Hogs have won the award in the last decade, outfielder Andrew Benintendi in 2015 and pitcher Kevin Kopps in 2021.

Smith has played every role within the Arkansas bullpen. He was the ace to begin the season and transitioned to a reliever role after an injury. By the end of the season, he found his way back into the rotation. When you look at the numbers, you’ll see he was easily the best pitcher in the Hog bullpen.

Smith improved his totals from his freshman season, going 8-1 in nine starts. He appeared in 15 games, finishing the regular season with a 2.56 ERA, 93 strikeouts, a .191 opponent batting average, and two saves spending 63.1 innings on the mound.

The award will be presented on ESPN on June 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET, leading into game two of the College World Series finals.