Kentucky’s New Star Shortstop Proves His Worth in First Season
The College Baseball Foundation has named Grant Smith to the 2023 Brooks Wallace Award watch list, which is awarded annually to the top shortstop in Division I college baseball. The prestigious award recognizes both outstanding defensive play and impressive production at the plate.
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Smith is a senior who has been a revelation in his first season at the University of Kentucky. He transferred from the University of Incarnate Word and was immediately faced with the daunting task of replacing the 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove winner Ryan Ritter. Despite the pressure, Smith has proven to be more than up to the challenge.
Smith’s defensive skills have been on full display this season. With only two errors in 153 chances, he boasts a remarkable .987 fielding percentage. His consistency and reliability on the field have made him an invaluable asset to the Kentucky team.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Smith has been a force at the plate. He has started all 152 games of his collegiate career and is currently batting .283 in 120 at-bats this season. His offensive contributions include 22 runs, 19 RBI, four doubles, three home runs, nine walks, and one steal. Demonstrating his versatility, Smith has also recorded eight bunts for base hits.
The Brooks Wallace Award honors shortstops who excel in both offense and defense, and Smith’s inclusion on the watch list is a testament to his all-around abilities. As the season progresses, fans and teammates alike will be closely watching to see if Smith’s exceptional performance continues and if he can ultimately secure the prestigious award.
In the meantime, Grant Smith’s presence on the 2023 Brooks Wallace Award watch list is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and immense talent. As he continues to excel on the field and at the plate, there is no doubt that his star will only continue to rise.
