Florida Gators sophomore Michael Byrne is one of five finalists for the 13th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award.
Byrne did not appear on the Preseason (Feb 13) or mid season (April 26) watch lists but crashed the finalist list with his SEC-leading 16 saves.
“He didn’t even start the season as our closer,” Kevin O’Sullivan said after a Regional win over USF. “Our team has got a lot of confidence in him. To be honest with you he’s probably the main reason we won 17 one-run games now.”
Byrne began the season as a midweek starter. Byrne made three starts (15 IP, 2.40 ERA) before he made the move to the bullpen as O’Sullivan looked to find a long-term answer at the back of the bullpen. In 29 relief appearances he has a 1.29 ERA over 48.2 innings and leads the Gators in appearances this season (32).
Since the NCBWA released its midseason watch list for this award, which omitted Byrne, the righty from Orlando saved eight games and allowed just one earned run in 17.1 innings pitched. His 16 saves not only lead the SEC but it also is a school record.
Four other closers on the list of finalists join Byrne. Lincoln Henzman (Louisville) and Colton Hock (Stanford) both have 16 saves like Byrne. Hock is the only finalist that appeared on the preseason watch list. Josh Hiatt (North Carolina) and Kenyon Yovan (Oregon) are two freshmen who have both posted double-digit saves for their respective teams.
The NCBWA’s All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year’s recipient to be announced Saturday morning, June 17, at a news conference at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha at 11 a.m. ET.
Past winners of Stopper of the Year
2016: Bryan Garcia – Miami
2015: David Berg – UCLA
2014: Nick Burdi – Louisville
2013: David Berg – UCLA
2012: Stefan Lopez – Southeastern Louisiana
2011: Cory Knebel – Texas
2010: Chance Ruffin – Texas
2009: Addison Reed – San Diego State
2008: Joshua Fields – Georgia
2007: Luke Prihoda – Sam Houston State
2006: Don Czyz – Kansas
2005: J. Brent Cox – Texas