April 29, 2005

Mizzou junior James Boone and sophomore Max Scherzer have been included on the watch list for the Xanthus-Dick Howser Trophy, which is awarded to the nation's top player.

Boone enters this weekend's series with Texas hitting .360 and is fourth in the nation with 63 RBI on the year.

Scherzer has a 1.09 ERA entering his start on Friday night against Texas. That ERA not only leads the Big 12 Conference, but also is tied for the best mark in the nation. He also leads the Big 12 with 95 strikeouts on the season.

The membership of the NCBWA will choose the Dick Howser Trophy based on three rounds of voting. The 2005 winner will be announced at the College World Series in Omaha on Friday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m.

Criteria for consideration for the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.