Ruhlman Named to Olson Award Watch List
5/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 16, 2014
OMAHA, NEB. - Junior D.J. Ruhlman (Belle Mead, N.J.) was named to the 2014 Gregg Olson Award watch list, presented by Toolshed Sports. Through hard work, strength of mind and determination the award honors college baseball's "Breakout Player of the Year".
The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these players have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.
Initial nominations were made by sports information/media contacts from schools across the country. The finalists and winner will be determined by an independent panel.
Perhaps no Seton Hall player in recent memory has had a greater "breakout" than Ruhlman in 2014. After batting just .159 in primarily backup roles in his first two seasons in South Orange, the shortstop has cemented himself as one of the BIG EAST Conference's elite hitters this season. Ruhlman has started 42 games at shortstop and currently leads the team with a .359 batting average, good for third-best in the BIG EAST. Showing rare combination of power and speed, he also has three home runs, a .497 slugging percentage and 15 stolen bases, second-most in the conference. Ruhlman has been a mainstay in the middle of the Pirates' order and has contributed mightily to Seton Hall's impressive 37-12 overall record in 2014.
Semifinalists are slated to be named, Friday, May 30th at the start of NCAA Regional play and the finalists are scheduled to be announced on Friday, June 6th at the beginning of Super Regional action. The winner of the 2014 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 14-June 24/25.
