Another accolade and recognition for one of the top collegiate baseball players who's turning pro this summer.
Tucson native and Cienega High School product Nick Gonzales was named National Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball on Tuesday.
Before the coronavirus pandemic ended the 2020 season, the New Mexico State shortstop, who converted from second baseman prior to the season, had a .448 batting average with 12 home runs, 36 RBI and 10 intentional walks. He also had an on-base stretch of 82 games, which was the longest active streak in college baseball.
Arizona’s Austin Wells (16) tosses his bat as he watches his blast chase home three Wildcat runs against Albany in the second inning of their season opener at Hi Corbett, February 14, 2020 Tucson, Ariz.
Gonzales finished the season nationally ranked in the top five in home runs (1st), home runs per game (3rd), runs (1st), RBIs (1st), RBIs per game (1st), total bases (1st), slugging percentage (2nd), on-base percentage (3rd), walks (4th) and walks per game (5th).
One of his most impressive hitting performances as an Aggie was a five-home run doubleheader against Purdue Fort Wayne, hitting two HRs in the first game followed by three in the final contest.
Gonzales also made Collegiate Baseball's All-America First Team.
Arizona Wildcats catcher Austin Wells was named a second-team selection and was the only UA player to earn a spot.
The preseason All-American, who was named to the Buster Posey Award watch list, held a .375 batting average as a sophomore and received Pac-12 Player of the Week honors in February.
