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ASU Baseball: Kassouf a Golden Spikes Semifinalist

Daniel Kassouf. Photo by Rob Moore and courtesy of Appalachian Sports Information

May, 30, 2012. Appalachian State University designated hitter Daniel Kassouf (Lexington, N.C./North Davidson) is one of 30 semifinalists for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, USA Baseball announced on Tuesday. In its 35th year, the Golden Spikes Award is presented annually by USA Baseball to the nation’s top amateur player. 

One of the nation’s premier power hitters, Kassouf ranks among the NCAA Division I top 25 with an Appalachian State-record 17 home runs (ninth), 144 total bases (16th), a .655 slugging percentage (18th) and 60 RBI (24th). He has made a serious season-long run at the Southern Conference’s triple crown and enters NCAA Tournament play ranked eighth in the SoCon in hitting (.344 batting average), second in home runs and tied for second in RBI.

In addition to being a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, Kassouf is also one of 35 semifinalists for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Dick Howser Trophy and was a unanimous selection as first-team all-Southern Conference designated hitter by the league’s coaches and media. He is the only SoCon representative among the 30 Golden Spikes Award semifinalists and one of only nine semifinalists from outside of the six Bowl Championship Series power conferences. 

Fans have a voice in voting for the Golden Spikes Award. In addition to the a panel of 215 voters selected by USA Baseball, results from fan voting will also be included in the selection of three finalists and an eventual winner. Voting for three finalists will be conducted now through Friday, June 1 at 5 p.m. ET at GoldenSpikesAward.com. The three finalists will be announced on Tuesday, June 5 with the winner unveiled on Friday, July 6, live on MLB Network.