NOTRE DAME, Ind. — One of the best power hitters in the country just got named to the midseason watch list for one of the most prestigious awards in college baseball. Senior infielder Niko Kavadas worked his way onto the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List that was announced by USA Baseball Wednesday afternoon. Kavadas is the first Irish player to make the midseason watch list since Eric Jagielo and Dan Slania were both named to the list during the 2013 season.
“Well deserved for Niko,” said head coach Link Jarrett. “He has worked very hard and has been one of the game’s elite hitters. This is a reflection of his intensity within the at-bat combined with a gift of elite skill.”
The Granger, Ind. native has been on a tear at the plate this season and is near the top of a number of power hitting categories. Kavadas ranks No. 2 in the nation in home runs per game (0.55), No. 3 in slugging percentage (.903) and No. 5 in home runs (12). Kavadas leads the ACC in home runs per game, slugging percentage along with runs batted in per game (1.45).
Kavadas currently has 36 career home runs which is sixth best in program history and he is one shy of being in a tie for third all-time. Kavadas is also just two home runs shy of earning 10th place in program history for the most home runs in a single season.
Niko began the season hitting home runs in each of his first two at-bats against Wake Forest to tie a career high. He hit another multi-home run game later in the season in the midweek win over Valpo.
Kavadas has garnered national attention so far as we are near the halfway point of the regular season. He was named a Midseason All-American by D1Baseball and was named a second team Midseason All-American by Perfect Game.
Kavadas and the seventh-ranked Irish will be back in action on Friday as they welcome NC State for a weekend series at Frank Eck Stadium.
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