1000 x 90

Appalachian State Baseball’s Daniel Kassouf Named Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist; Winner Chosen June 15

Daniel Kassouf is one of 35 semifinalists for the 2012 Dick Howser Trophy, given to college baseball's top player. Photo by Rob Moore and courtesy of Appalachian Sports Information

May 18, 2012. Appalachian State University designated hitter Daniel Kassouf (Lexington, N.C./North Davidson) has been selected as one of 35 semifinalists for the 2012 Dick Hoswer Trophy, which is presented to college baseball’s top player by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).

One of the nation’s top power hitters, Kassouf came into the final weekend of the regular season with .355 batting average, 15 doubles, a school-record-tying 16 home runs, 55 RBI and a Southern Conference-leading .685 slugging percentage. In the latest NCAA Division I statistical rankings, he stood seventh nationally in home runs, 13th in slugging percentage and 14th in RBI.

The senior has made a serious run at the SoCon triple crown for much of the season and led the league in all three catagories (batting average, home runs and RBI) as recently as April 21. He currently ranks second in the SoCon in both homers and RBI and fourth in hitting. 

Kassouf is the only designated hitter among the 35 Howser Trophy semifinalists and one of two semifinalists from the Southern Conference (joined by College of Charleston’s Marty Gantt).

The Howser Trophy semifinalists were selected through two rounds of national balloting by the NCBWA. The prestigious award, which is presented by Easton Foundations, will be handed out on June 15, the first day of the College World Series, at TD Ameritrade Stadium in Omaha, Neb.