TEMPE, Ariz. - Sun Devil Baseball junior shortstop Colby Woodmansee has been named to the preseason watch list for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top amateur baseball student-athlete in the country, USA Baseball announced Tuesday.
Woodmansee is the 12th Sun Devil to be named to the preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List since 2010, including the second shortstop, joining Deven Marrero, who is currently an infielder in the Boston Red Sox organization.
This marks another major preseason accolade for Woodmansee, who has also earned preseason All-America recognition from Perfect Game (first team), Louisville Slugger and Baseball America (third team), and was listed as one of the top 50 prospects in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by Baseball America.
Woodmansee, a First Team All-Pac-12 selection last season, led the Devils with 80 runs in 2015. He was the first shortstop to lead the team in RBI since Jerry Maddox in 1975, and just the sixth ever to do so. Woodmansee also led the team in with 18 doubles last season, and ranked fourth overall in the Pac-12. He finished in the top five on the team in batting average, slugging percentage, runs scored, hits, RBI, home runs, total bases, and walks, and finished ninth in RBI and 10th in hits in the Pac-12.
A marketing major, Woodmansee was a Pac-12 All Academic Honorable Mention this past season and is a four-time Scholar Baller®, which recognizes student-athletes who earn a 3.0 GPA or above in a given semester.
Three Sun Devils have earned the Golden Spikes Award, including third baseman Bob Horner, who won the inaugural award in 1978. Horner was also one of 11 players named to the 25th Anniversary Golden Spikes Award Team in 2002. Nine Devils have been named finalists for the award, with current Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake (2009) being the most recent.
Golden Spikes Award Winners
1991 - Mike Kelly
1984 - Oddibe McDowell
1978 - Bob Horner
Golden Spikes Award Finalists
2009 - Mike Leake
2008 - Brett Wallace
2004 - Dustin Pedroia
1994 - Jacob Cruz
1993 - Paul Lo Duca
1991 - Mike Kelly
1990 - Mike Kelly
1984 - Oddibe McDowell
1978 - Bob Horner
Sun Devil Preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List since 2010
SS Colby Woodmansee - 2016
LHP Brett Lilek - 2015
RHP Ryan Burr – 2014
LHP Ryan Kellogg - 2014
RHP Trevor Williams - 2013
2B Joey DeMichele - 2012
SS Deven Marrero - 2012
RHP Brady Rodgers - 2012
SS Deven Marrero - 2011
INF Zack MacPhee - 2011
OF Johnny Ruettiger - 2011
LHP Josh Spence - 2010
About the Golden Spikes Award
The preseason watch list features 50 of the nation’s top amateur players, from high school and college baseball. The Golden Spikes Award Advisory Board will maintain a rolling list of athletes, allowing players to play themselves into consideration for the award throughout the season.
Starting on April 11 and ending April 17, fans will be able to nominate their favorite players for the Golden Spikes Award for the first-time prior to the reveal of Midseason Watch List on April 20. The semifinalists list will be sent to a voting body consisting of past USA Baseball National Team coaches and press officers, members of the media that follow the amateur game closely, select professional baseball personnel, current USA Baseball staff and the 38 previous winners of the award, representing a group of more than 200 voters.
Fan voting will continue to be a part of the Golden Spikes Award in 2016, starting on June 1 with the naming of the Golden Spikes Award semifinalists. Amateur baseball fans across the country will be able to vote for their favorite semifinalists at GoldenSpikesAward.com. On June 13, USA Baseball will announce the finalists and voting will begin that day and last until June 25.
The winner of the 39th Golden Spikes Award will be named on Thursday, June 30, at a presentation in Los Angeles. The finalists and their families will be honored at the Rod Dedeaux Foundation Dinner that evening at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles.
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball
2016 Season Tickets
Sun Devil Baseball season tickets are on sale now, and fans can purchase by calling 480-965-5812 or click here for a direct link to purchase.
5-Game Mini Plans
This plan allows fans to choose five (5) games in the 2016 season to create their own customized schedule. Click here for a direct link to purchase.
Flex Plans
This plan gives fans the ultimate flexibility with nine (9) vouchers redeemable for tickets to any home game. Fans can use all nine tickets at one game, or one ticket at nine different games; simply present your voucher to the ticket office whenever you decide to attend. Tickets are at a 46 percent discount and in the Infield Reserved Seating sections. Click here for a direct link to purchase.
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets for the team’s non-conference slate are on sale now. Call 480-727-0000 or click here for a direct link to purchase.
Transitioning The Legacy Campaign
Season ticket holders also have an opportunity to make a capital campaign commitment towards the Phoenix Muni renovations. All gifts, no matter the size, are important and appreciated, and can be a one-time gift or a five-year pledge. Fans interested in naming opportunities at Phoenix Muni can contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700. All commitments are tax-deductible through the Sun Devil Club. Join our community and own a piece of our hometown team.