CARY, N.C. – California junior Grant Holman earned another preseason accolade Thursday, as he was named to the 55-player preseason Golden Spikes Award watch list by USA Baseball. The award annually recognizes the top amateur baseball player in the country.
 
The Golden Bears are no strangers to the Golden Spikes Award, as former Cal standout Andrew Vaughn won the award in 2018 and was a finalist in 2019. Cal has had 11 selections to the preseason Golden Spikes Award watch list since 2008.
 
Holman started all 16 games during the Bears' shortened 2020 season on the mound, at first base or as the designated hitter. He was Cal's top pitcher, compiling a 3.28 ERA with 20 strikeouts to only four walks. Opponents batted just .225 against Holman over 24.2 innings pitched. At the plate, Holman slashed .250/.333/.324 with 10 RBI and one home run.
 
In 58 career games played, Holman owns a 4.21 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched while slashing .264/.414/.348 split with five home runs offensively. He's coming off of a breakout summer in the San Diego League where he tallied 17 strikeouts to one walk along with a .125 opposing batting average in 9.0 innings pitched.
 
A native of Chula Vista, Calif., Holman was also recently named a Preseason First-Team All-American by Baseball America.
 
The Golden Spikes Award Advisory Board will maintain a rolling list of players throughout the 2021 season, allowing student-athletes to play themselves into consideration for the award throughout the season. The winner of the 43rd Golden Spikes Award will be named in July.
 
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