Baseball's Messina Named Dick Howser Trophy Hitter of the Month

DALLAS – University of South Carolina junior catcher Cole Messina was named the Dick Howser Trophy National Hitter of the Month for May by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).

Messina, a native of Summerville, S.C., hit .450 (27-for-60) over 17 games in May, slugging four doubles, one triple and 10 homers, with 32 RBI. He drew 17 walks and stole five bases, totaling a 1.050 sluging and a .575 on-base percentage. His 10 homers, 23 runs scored and 32 RBI led all Southeastern Conference players during the month. He was named to the SEC All-Tournament Team after going 9-for-17 with four homers and a tourney record 16 RBI during the event. Over the course of his junior year, Messina hit .326 (73-for-224) with 19 doubles, one triple, 21 homers and 71 RBI, drawing 50 walks and swiping eight bags.

Messina was joined by Oregon State’s Aiden May, who was named the NCBWA Pitcher of the Month.