Texas Tech University Athletics
Klein Named to Golden Spikes Award Watch List
February 13, 2020 | Baseball
Award given annually to the nation’s top player
LUBBOCK, Texas – The preseason accolades continue to stack up for Texas Tech baseball second baseman Brian Klein as he was one of 55 players placed on the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Preseason List, the association announced Thursday.
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This marks the fourth preseason accolade for Klein, who was tabbed a preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association and D1Baseball. He is one of three players representing the Big 12 on the list, which is given annually to the top player in college baseball.
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A 2020 All-Big 12 preseason selection, Klein is the 10th player in Texas Tech's history to earn Golden Spike honors. He joins an impressive list of Red Raiders that have been recognized by the Golden Spikes Advisory Board in the Tim Tadlock era, featuring Trey Masek (2013), Seven Gingery (2017, 2018), Davis Martin (2018) and Josh Jung (2018, 2019).
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Klein has been the model of consistency for Texas Tech the last two seasons as he has helped the program reach back-to-back College World Series for the first time in team history. He returns as a top offensive threat after hitting .315 a year ago while starting all 66 games at second base.
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The senior increased his RBI output from his sophomore to his junior year from 34 to 57 and led the country in sacrifice flies with 11. Klein ranked near the top of the Big 12 in several offensive categories, including walks (3rd), hits (4th), doubles (6th) and runs (7th).
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Klein came up clutch on the biggest stage as he hit two of his three home runs last season in Omaha. His two dingers at the College World Series led the Red Raiders, while he also tied for the team lead in hits, RBI and runs scored.
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Coming off their third Big 12 title in four years and their fourth College World Series appearance in six seasons, the Red Raiders are set to open the 2020 campaign on Friday, Feb. 14, against Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
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This marks the fourth preseason accolade for Klein, who was tabbed a preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association and D1Baseball. He is one of three players representing the Big 12 on the list, which is given annually to the top player in college baseball.
Â
A 2020 All-Big 12 preseason selection, Klein is the 10th player in Texas Tech's history to earn Golden Spike honors. He joins an impressive list of Red Raiders that have been recognized by the Golden Spikes Advisory Board in the Tim Tadlock era, featuring Trey Masek (2013), Seven Gingery (2017, 2018), Davis Martin (2018) and Josh Jung (2018, 2019).
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Klein has been the model of consistency for Texas Tech the last two seasons as he has helped the program reach back-to-back College World Series for the first time in team history. He returns as a top offensive threat after hitting .315 a year ago while starting all 66 games at second base.
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The senior increased his RBI output from his sophomore to his junior year from 34 to 57 and led the country in sacrifice flies with 11. Klein ranked near the top of the Big 12 in several offensive categories, including walks (3rd), hits (4th), doubles (6th) and runs (7th).
Â
Klein came up clutch on the biggest stage as he hit two of his three home runs last season in Omaha. His two dingers at the College World Series led the Red Raiders, while he also tied for the team lead in hits, RBI and runs scored.
Â
Coming off their third Big 12 title in four years and their fourth College World Series appearance in six seasons, the Red Raiders are set to open the 2020 campaign on Friday, Feb. 14, against Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
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Players Mentioned
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