Omaha, Nebraska – Florida State’s Alex Lodise has been recognized as the winner of the 2025 Dick Howser Trophy, an esteemed honor presented annually by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). This marks the 37th presentation of the award, which has a rich connection to college baseball history.
The Dick Howser Trophy was established in July 1987 to commemorate the late Dick Howser, a former two-time All-American shortstop at Florida State. After a successful college career, Howser transitioned to Major League Baseball, becoming an All-Star player. His journey is notable as he managed the Kansas City Royals, leading them to their first World Series title in 1985 before his untimely passing from brain cancer.
Florida State currently pays tribute to Howser with their home games played at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. The trophy itself features a striking bronze bust of Howser, complete with a Royals cap, resting on a wooden base. Inscribed are words such as “leadership,” “character,” and “performance,” traits that voters consider when selecting the award recipient.
The Dick Howser Trophy is widely regarded as the Heisman Trophy of college baseball. To be eligible for the award, players must demonstrate not only outstanding performance on the field but also excel in academics and show strong leadership and character traits.
The selection process for the award has evolved over time. Initially, from 1987 to 1998, the American Baseball Coaches Association chose the winners. Since 1999, the NCBWA has taken over, allowing for a more transparent voting process that includes input from baseball writers and college media outlets.
The award has seen numerous talented players recognized throughout the years, with the first winner being Mike Fiore from Miami (Fla.) in 1987. The latest recipient before Lodise, Adley Rutschman, impressed voters in 2019 with a standout season at Oregon State, hitting .411 with 17 home runs.
The Dick Howser Trophy remains a symbol of excellence within collegiate athletics, honoring both the memory of a baseball legend and the young talents who embody the characteristics he valued.
