CARY, N.C. — Slugging infielder and designated hitter Jacob Berry, one of the leaders of Arizona's nationally-acclaimed and dangerous offensive attack, has been selected as one of 25 semifinalists for the 43rd Golden Spikes Award, USA Baseball announced today.

Berry is the fifth Arizona player all-time to earn a spot on the Golden Spikes Award semifinalist list, and the first since J.J. Matijevic in 2017. He is one of only three Pac-12 players to earn the semifinalist distinction for this year's award.

Fan voting will once again play a role in the Golden Spikes Award in 2021. Beginning today, fans can cast their votes to help determine who should make the list of finalists, with a deadline set for Tuesday, June 15. Wildcat fans can cast their votes, up to 25 per day, at GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Through the NCAA Regional round and 58 games worth of action, Berry leads the Wildcats with a .357 batting average, five triples, 15 home runs, 64 RBI, a .679 slugging percentage, 152 total bases, and 37 extra-base hits. The switch-hitting phenom currently leads the Pac-12 and ranks 12th nationally in RBI and stands among the top five players in the conference in nearly every offensive category.

Nineteen times this season Berry has driven in multiple runs, a mark that leads Arizona's offense that ranks fifth in the nation in scoring and second in runs scored. He has also collected 25 multi-hit performances and at one point in the heat of the Wildcats conference schedule notched a remarkable 17-game hit streak.

The true freshman has powered his way into the Arizona record books, setting the program's freshman records for total bases and extra-base hits and tying the Wildcats freshman conference record with eight home runs. For his efforts during the regular season, Berry was voted to the Pac-12 All-Conference team by the league's head coaches.

Berry and the Wildcats play host to the Ole Miss Rebels this weekend at Hi Corbett Field for the NCAA Super Regional round of the Division I Baseball Championship. Dates, times, and ticketing information can be found HERE.
 

The 2021 Golden Spikes Award timeline:

• June 8: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award semifinalists voting begins
• June 15: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award semifinalists voting ends
• June 24: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award finalists announced, voting begins
• July 2: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award finalists voting ends
• July: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award trophy presentation