Texas first baseman Ivan Melendez is going to need more space in his trophy room before the season comes to an end. After already taking home Big 12 Player of the Year and plenty of All-American honors, the Texas slugger continues to be recognized for his monster season.
Melendez has been named winner of the 35th annual Dick Howser Trophy, presented to the best player in college baseball.
The “Hispanic Titanic” is hitting .396 with the nation’s best 32 home runs and 94 RBI. He provided excellent defense at first base after strictly playing the designated hitter role in 2021.
Melendez becomes the fourth Longhorn to win the prestigious award along with Taylor Jumngman (2011), Brooks Kieschnick (1992-93) and Scott Bryant (1989). No other program has more than three all-time winners.
Texas is off to the 2022 College World Series for the second straight season with the help of Melendez’s play. The Horns open their trip to Omaha with a matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Friday night.
Your 2022 Dick Howser Trophy winner is none other than @ivanmelendez17_. https://t.co/inV6epSSEx 🤘🚢 pic.twitter.com/BS3xivFfCB
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 17, 2022
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