Oregon’s Jacob Walsh Finalist for National Collegiate Slugger Award

EUGENE, Ore. – Jacob Walsh, a first baseman for the Oregon Ducks, has been named one of four finalists for the prestigious Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award, the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation announced today.

The award honors the most outstanding offensive baseball player on a Division I team in the country, based on criteria such as personal integrity, athletic performance, and academic achievement. Walsh joins Arkansas’ Wehiwa Aloy, Austin Peay‘s Cameron Nickens, and Oregon State‘s Aiva Arquette in this elite category.

This season, Walsh earned recognition as a NCBWA third-team All-American and was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, which celebrates college baseball’s top player. During his senior year, he had an impressive performance, leading the Ducks with 60 runs batted in and 77 hits. His batting average was .332, along with 19 home runs, a .435 on-base percentage, and a .651 slugging percentage.

Walsh’s 19 home runs rank second in Oregon program history, following Neville’s record of 26. He concludes his college career as Oregon’s all-time leader in home runs (59) and runs batted in (191), and is second all-time in games started (232) and at-bats (919).

As the Ducks’ offensive powerhouse, Walsh’s departure raises questions about how the team will fill his significant shoes in the next season. For now, he has earned a place among the best collegiate players in the country. The winner of the Bobby Bragan Award will be announced later this month, with a gala set for the fall.