Clemson, S.C. – Caden Grice, a junior left-handed pitcher, and first baseman, has earned a well-deserved spot as one of the 25 semifinalists for the esteemed Golden Spikes Award. This recognition showcases his remarkable skill and talent on the baseball field. The award is presented annually by USA Baseball, and this esteemed accolade recognizes the top amateur baseball player in the nation. Grice’s outstanding performance on both the mound and at the plate has garnered attention and secured his position as a strong contender for this great honor. The finalists for the award will be announced on June 7th, with the winner being revealed on June 25th during a special broadcast on ESPN.
Hailing from Greer, South Carolina, Grice has proven to be a daunting force for the Clemson Tiger baseball team during the 2023 season. His contributions as a pitcher and a batter have played a significant role in the team’s success. On the mound, Grice boasts an impressive record of 7 wins and only 1 loss, accompanied by an excellent 3.18 earned run average (ERA). He has held opposing batters to a miserable .199 batting average, has struck out an impressive 82 players, and has issued 31 walks in 62.1 innings pitched across 12 starts.
Caden Grice on the Mound
Not content with excelling solely as a pitcher, Grice has also demonstrated his prowess at the plate. Maintaining a solid batting average of .296, he has showcased his power with 14 home runs, a triple, and 12 doubles. Grice’s contributions extend beyond his ability to hit for power; he has also driven in an impressive 54 runs and crossed the plate himself 50 times. Additionally, his keen eye and discipline have resulted in a remarkable .408 on-base percentage. Also, he has utilized his speed to steal 3 bases in 52 games, starting in 51 of them.
When considering Grice’s overall career at Clemson, it becomes apparent that his success this season is not an anomaly but a testament to his consistent performance. Throughout his three years with the Tigers, he has maintained a strong presence on the field. As a pitcher, Grice has amassed a record of 9 wins and 2 losses, compiling a commendable 3.68 ERA. Opposing batters have struggled to make contact, achieving a mere .207 batting average against him. In total, he has struck out 103 players while issuing only 44 walks in 78.1 innings pitched over 24 appearances, with 15 of those being starts.
Caden Grice at the Plate
As a batter, Grice’s contributions have been equally impressive. His career batting average stands at a solid .283, and he has showcased his power with 41 home runs, 2 triples, and 32 doubles. He has consistently driven in runs, accumulating an impressive 147 RBIs while crossing the plate himself 135 times. Additionally, he has exhibited speed on the basepaths, successfully stealing 11 bases in 161 games, starting in 160 of them.
Grice’s nomination as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award serves as a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the game of baseball. His exceptional performance as both a pitcher and a batter has garnered attention and recognition from the baseball community. As the highly anticipated announcement of the award finalists draws nearer, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness whether Grice will emerge as the ultimate victor. On June 25th, the baseball world will find out the outcome of this prestigious award, which will undoubtedly serve as a crowning achievement for the nation’s top amateur baseball player.
