Tech’s Bates named to Golden Spikes Award watch list

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech’s Ethan Bates was named to the 2024 Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List, announced by USA Baseball on Thursday.

This list features 45 of the nation’s top athletes from college and high school baseball. Bates is the first player in Louisiana Tech’s history to be named to this list.

Bates is currently leading the Bulldogs in hits (46), doubles (14), and RBI (42) while having an on-base percentage of .453. The Bulldogs clean-up hitter is batting .362 with six homers this season. He ranks fifth in the country in doubles and 11th in RBI.

On the mound, the Hot Spring, Arkansas, native also leads the Bulldogs in saves this season with eight and owns an ERA of 2.31. Bates ranks first in the country in saves.

Bates will lead Tech into this weekends three-game CUSA series against Middle Tennessee slated for JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. Game one is tonight at 6 p.m.

Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. The award, which is presented on ESPN annually, goes to the amateur baseball player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship

The 2024 Golden Spikes Award timeline is as follows: