Cameron Blair is one of 64 candidates for the Xanthus-Dick Howser Trohpy.

April 29, 2005

LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech University senior shortstop Cameron Blair is one of 64 candidates listed on the 2005 Xanthus-Dick Howser Award Watch List that was released on Thursday afternoon.

The Xanthus-Dick Howser Trophy, sponsored by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, is awarded annually to the top player in collegiate baseball. The award is given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop as well as major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987. A Florida native, Howser was a two-time All-American for the Seminoles (1957-58) who then coached Florida State in 1979 after a career as a major league player and coach. Following one year in the college ranks, Howser returned to the majors to manage the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals and won the World Series with the Royals in 1985.

Criteria for consideration for the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage; qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.

Cameron Blair, who turned down an offer from the St. Louis Cardinals to return for his senior season, has been Tech's top offensive threat all season long as he currently totals a batting average of .383 with a team-high 47 RBI along with 12 home runs. His 12 home runs are currently tied for fifth nationally.

Blair was named to various All-America teams following his junior season after finishing with a .371 season batting average with 14 home runs and 81 RBI.

The membership of the NCBWA will choose the Dick Howser Trophy based on three rounds of voting. The 2005 winner will be announced at the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., on Friday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m. CDT.