CARY, N.C. — The Golden Spikes Award, which honors the top amateur baseball player in the United States, was awarded today to Arkansas’ Wehiwa Aloy during a live presentation on ESPN. This notable award has been presented since 1978 and recognizes outstanding talent, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the game.
This year, Aloy distinguished himself as the 47th winner, becoming the third player from Arkansas to receive this prestigious honor. He follows in the footsteps of Andrew Benintendi (2015) and Kevin Kopps (2021). The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to lead in Golden Spikes Award winners, with Aloy’s win marking the 12th for the conference.
Aloy, who has been named the SEC Player of the Year, had an impressive season in 2025, showcasing a remarkable all-around game. He led his team in several key offensive categories, including a slugging percentage of .673 and total bases with 179. His stats include 93 hits, 21 home runs, and 81 runs scored. In addition, he maintained a solid batting average of .350 and contributed significantly with 68 RBIs.
Defensively, Aloy has been a star, committing only five errors throughout the season, resulting in a fielding percentage of .978. He started all 65 games as the shortstop and was recognized as an All-American by multiple publications.
Despite the Razorbacks’ recent semifinal exit in the Men’s College World Series (MCWS), Aloy made his mark in postseason play. Over nine NCAA Tournament games, he batted .324 with eight runs and ten RBIs. He notably matched his career high with two home runs and five RBIs in a game against Creighton. Furthermore, he became the first Arkansas shortstop to hit a home run at the MCWS.
The Golden Spikes Award has a strong history, with past winners going on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball. Notable names in the winners’ list include Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Buster Posey. Of the previous winners, many have taken home prestigious awards, including Rookie of the Year and multiple All-Star selections.
In his acceptance, Paul Seiler, USA Baseball’s Executive Director, praised Aloy for his outstanding season and commitment to the sport, emphasizing that he truly stood out in a season filled with remarkable talent.
Wehiwa Aloy’s journey has made a significant mark in college baseball, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this extraordinary player.