The NCAA News - News Features

Lee receives Golden Spikes Award

Travis Lee, a former first baseman for San Diego State and the leading hitter for Team USA at the Atlanta Summer Games, is the recipient of the Golden Spikes Award.

The award is presented annually by USA Baseball to the most outstanding amateur player in America. The award honors exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship, as well as advancement of baseball through participation in the sport.

Lee was the second player selected in the 1996 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins, but he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks after the Twins lost his rights through a technicality.

In 1996, Lee hit .355 with 14 home runs and 60 runs batted in for the Aztecs. At the Atlanta Summer Games, Lee hit .383 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in as Team USA won the bronze medal.

Lee received the award during USA Baseball's Excellence Awards Program luncheon November 12 in New York City.

He was one of nine finalists for the Golden Spikes Award. The other finalists were pitcher Kris Benson of Clemson, third baseman Pat Burrell of Miami (Florida), outfielder J. D. Drew of Florida State, pitcher Seth Greisinger of Virginia, catcher A. J. Hinch of Stanford, outfielder Jacque Jones of Southern California, outfielder Mark Kotsay of Cal State Fullerton and pitcher Braden Looper of Wichita State.