LUBBOCK, Texas – Indiana State sophomore Randal Diaz was named to the 2023 Brooks Wallace Award Watch List as announced by the College Baseball Foundation on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Sycamore shortstop was listed among a group of 101 of the most talented shortstops in Division I college baseball as announced by the organization.
 
"We are seeing some defensive-minded shortstops this year, with many of the kids without an error or very few errors as we sift through the candidates for this year's Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year Award," said Larry Wallace, co-chair of the award. "Of course, big offensive numbers are again a part of this class as is evident by the power numbers we are seeing."
 
The award honors the nation's top shortstop and will be presented by the College Baseball Foundation later this year. It is named for former Texas Tech shortstop Brooks Wallace, who played for the Red Raiders from 1977 to 1980. Wallace died of leukemia at the age of 27.
 
The award honors outstanding defensive play as much as it does production at the plate.
 
Diaz sits among the Indiana State leaders at the plate again this season. The Toa Alta, Puerto Rico native is hitting .291 from the plate and is tied for the team lead with 39 hits on the year. He currently leads the Sycamores with 18 extra-base hits including seven home runs and is second on the team with 25 RBI.
 
The Sycamore third baseman in 2022, Diaz made the transition seamlessly to shortstop this year with a .961 fielding percentage over 153 chances.
 
"With so many options to watch and keep up with NCAA baseball and the players, we're actually watching some of the best baseball players in many, many years," said Tom Quigley, Brooks Wallace Award co-chair. "Games are now on ESPN and local TV. Shortstop has been redefined and they are hitting with power and high average. Fielding and defense are extremely strong as well. It's going to be tough as we narrow the choices the upcoming rounds."
 
For more information on the Wallace Award or the Night of Champions event, visit www.collegebaseballhall.org.
 
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