FSU's Alex Lodise Shines as District Player of the Year in Baseball!

FSU's Alex Lodise Shines as District Player of the Year in Baseball!

Florida State University’s baseball program is buzzing with excitement following the recent recognition of junior shortstop Alex Lodise as the District 3 Player of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). Lodise has had an outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership on the field. He has also earned accolades as both the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, making him a standout player at FSU this year. This recognition marks the first time since Matheu Nelson in 2021 that an FSU player has received the District Player of the Year honor.

Lodise’s contributions have led the Seminoles to impressive heights, including a top-10 national ranking and a return to the NCAA Super Regionals. As a team captain, he not only leads by example but has also been named a finalist for several prestigious awards: the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy, and the Brooks Wallace Award. To say that Lodise has a good hand when it comes to baseball would be an understatement.

Stellar Season Performance

Statistically, Lodise has made an indelible mark. He currently ranks 10th nationally with 92 hits and 11th in batting average at .405. His performance has been pivotal, with 67 RBIs—placing him 3rd in that category within the ACC—and a remarkable .736 slugging percentage, which ranks him 21st in the nation. His campaign includes standout moments such as a walk-off grand slam against rival Florida, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Moreover, Lodise’s fielding skills are noteworthy with a .976 fielding percentage. Throughout the season, he has started all 55 games at shortstop and has been a key component, part of 32 double plays and committing only five errors in 205 chances. His remarkable performance puts him at the forefront of what is shaping up to be a memorable postseason for the Seminoles, who are set to compete at the Corvallis Super Regional against Oregon State.

Recent Challenging Matches

Florida State’s recent clash with Mississippi State in the Tallahassee Regional final on June 1 brought intense drama and showcased the team’s resilience. The Seminoles, seeded No. 1, faced a tough battle against MSU, who was the No. 3 seed. At one point, Mississippi State led the game with a score of 2-0, fueled by early home runs. However, FSU’s Cal Fischer turned the tide in the seventh inning with a critical two-run home run, tying the game. The excitement in the stadium was palpable, and even FSU’s coach Link Jarrett was ejected early in the game after a heated argument.

The game was marked by aggressive plays from both teams, where tensions escalated but thankfully did not result in benches clearing. Despite a challenging game with a lot of pressure, FSU managed to take the lead in the eighth inning with a crucial two-run single from Max Williams, ultimately winning the match 5-2. This victory not only solidified Florida State’s position in the Super Regionals but also highlighted the team’s tenacity, with Lodise notably enduring striking pressure from MSU’s pitching staff throughout the game.

As Florida State prepares to engage in further postseason action, Alex Lodise remains a beacon of hope and talent. With such accolades and stats under his belt, there’s no denying he has etching his name in FSU baseball history.