Parker Whittle Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List
Dallas, TX
Winthrop University’s senior left-handed pitcher, Parker Whittle, has secured a spot in the initial watch list for the 19th Annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award. This prestigious honor is typically awarded to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball and the association made this announcement yesterday afternoon.
A Season of Success
During the past season, Whittle garnered recognition as a 2023 Big South All-Academic Team Honoree. He made a name for himself by leading the team to triumph with eight wins. His impressive tally included striking out 44 batters and posting a 6.70 ERA in 43 innings pitched across 27 games in relief. His top performance was against Cincinnati at home on Mar. 14 when he recorded a season-high five strikeouts.
A Hotly Contested List
This year’s watch list boasts a competitive roster, featuring three 2023 Stopper of the Year finalists and 11 preseason NCBWA All-America selections. The Southeastern Conference led in representatives, featuring 12 players on the watch list. The Atlantic Coast Conference followed suit with 10 players, while the Big 12 and Big Ten each offered up six. The Pac-12 trailed slightly with five representatives.
From the initial 73 members, 12 were also featured on last year’s midseason watch list. In total, the watch list represented 21 conferences with a minimum of two players featuring from 16 different leagues.
About NCBWA
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation’s top player and the Mike Martin National Coach of the Year Award to the best coach. The Association also selects All-America Teams for all divisions along with a Division I Freshman All-American team, Division I, II and III Players of the Week, and Division I, II and III Players of the Year.
As the baseball season draws closer, Whittle’s inclusion in this esteemed watch list signals an exciting period for Winthrop University Athletics. His performance will surely be one to watch this coming season.
