Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications and Staff Reports
Louisiana Tech’s Ethan Bates was named one of five finalists for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year award, announced by the College Baseball Foundation on Monday.
The Bulldog senior pitcher and DH joined Carson Benge (Oklahoma State/ Big 12), Jac Caglianone (Florida/ SEC), Cameron Jones (Georgia Tech/ ACC), and Austin Smith (San Diego/ West Coast).
Bates set a Louisiana Tech single season record and leads the nation with 17 saves this season. He has a 3.43 ERA in 36 appearances on the mound, with opponents hitting just .180.
The Hot Springs, Arkansas, native batted .337 with 87 hits, including 15 homes runs, and 74 RBI. He was two RBI short of tying Cole McConnell for the single season record. Bates was also named CUSA Player of the Year and to the 2024 Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List.
The award is named for former Washington State University standout John Olerud, who achieved success both as a first baseman and left-handed pitcher during the late 1980s. He was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. The award will be presented by the College Baseball Foundation later this year.
2024 JOHN OLERUD TWO-WAY PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Name Class. School Conference
Ethan Bates Senior Louisiana Tech Conference USA
Carson Benge Junior Oklahoma State Big 12
Jac Caglianone Senior Florida SEC
Cameron Jones Senior Georgia Tech ACC
Austin Smith Junior San Diego West Coast
