WACO, TEXAS (NCBWA) – A nine-member finalist group has been announced for the inaugural Tony Gwynn Trophy, honoring NCAA baseball student-athletes who exemplify the Gwynn legacy. The Gwynn Trophy winner will be selected from this group of nine finalists, in a vote by NCBWA board members, select college baseball coaches and national media members.
The Gwynn Trophy, conceptualized for the 2025 season, is intended to honor collegiate baseball student-athletes who are active in their community and represent their programs with integrity, while exceling in the classroom and on the field.
Nominees were solicited this spring through college baseball publicists and the NCBWA membership.
The finalists include a decorated list of elite student-athletes, including four combined from the Big 12 Conference and the Southeastern Conference, in addition to standouts from Northern Colorado, Winthrop, Columbia, San Diego and Louisiana.
"We are honored to continue Tony's legacy of service through the naming of this award in his honor," his wife, Alicia Gwynn, said when the Gwynn Trophy was announced in the preseason. "Throughout his life, Tony was a man that exuded selflessness and that showed through his commitment to supporting the communities around him. His consistent quest for service and his unyielding love for college baseball make this award a great fit in honoring his legacy. We are excited to shine a spotlight on the young men who represent their schools with such grace and are committed to serving their communities."
Gwynn was nationally recognized throughout his life for his unyielding commitment to philanthropy. He and Alicia, established the Tony Gwynn Foundation to help fund charities supporting children in need, including supporting the Casa de Amparo Child Abuse Shelter, the Neighborhood House, YMCA and the Police Athletic League. In 1995, Gwynn earned the Branch Rickey Award as the top community activist in MLB, and in 1999, he was named the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year. He was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, presented to the MLB player who best exemplified the character and leadership of the Hall of Fame first baseman.
The Gwynn family has maintained Tony’s commitment to the community, including coordinating the Tony Gwynn Community All-Star Program, which recognizes local youth who support the San Diego community.
Gwynn was a 15-time MLB All-Star, including won eight batting titles – the most in National League history – and finished his decorated, 20-year career with a .338 batting average. He played his entire career with the San Diego Padres, after playing collegiately at San Diego State, where he also played basketball. A 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, Gwynn saw the SDSU baseball facility named in his honor, Tony Gwynn Stadium, and served as the head coach of the Aztecs, from 2003-14, winning three Mountain West Conference Championships and earning 2014 MWC Coach of the Year honors. The Tony Gwynn Legacy Tournament, held each February at Gwynn Stadium and featuring some of the top teams in the nation, has quickly become one of the best nonconference, early-season tournaments in the college baseball calendar.
Gwynn passed away in 2014 after a long bout with cancer. He is survived by Alicia, son Tony Jr. and daughter, Anisha Nicole. His brother Chris attended SDSU and played for the Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals. Tony Jr. also played collegiately at SDSU, earning all-league honors in 2003 before the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the second round. He played eight seasons in MLB, including time with the Brewers, Padres, Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association's official Web site, ncbwa.com.
Tony Gwynn Trophy Starting 9
- Michael Brooks, R-Sr., INF, Kansas
- Evan Byers, Gr., LHP, Kentucky
- Tony Castonguay, Sr., C/OF, Northern Colorado
- Grant Cunningham, Jr., RHP, Texas A&M
- Connor Harris, Gr., RHP, Winthrop
- Joe Sheets, Sr., RHP, Columbia
- Austin Smith, Sr., LHP/OF, San Diego
- Chris Stanfield, Jr., OF, LSU
- Jose Torres, Sr., C, Louisiana
Gwynn Trophy Starting 9 Biographies
Michael Brooks, R-Sr., INF, Kansas
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: A key three-year player for Kansas who opened his career in 2022 at UCF … Over his KU career, has hit .297 in 137 games with 135 starts, logging 108 runs and 148 hits … Owns 38 career doubles with 23 homers and 104 RBI … In 2025, while leading Kansas to a historic season, has hit .265 with 40 runs in 46 games, totaling 10 doubles, one triple, seven homer and 32 RBI … Hit .256 in 58 games and 52 starts as a freshman at UCF with seven homers and 47 RBI … Was named All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2024 after hitting .331 with eight homers and 38 RBI … Tabbed the No. 19 third baseman entering 2025 by D1Baseball and the No. 57 senior in 2025 by Perfect Game … Owns a 3.22 GPA while earning a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and is currently working on his master’s degree in sports management.
Community Engagement: Brooks has led a campaign since the 2023 season to personally donate $20 for every hit he had to the Lawrence Schools Foundation, seeking to provide school supplies to teachers and students, with his 2023 efforts raising $1,180 out of his own pocket for the organization … In 2024, continued the project, donating $20 for every hit and $40 for every home run, totaling $1,080 despite a season-ending injury in April … Has kept the initiative going in 2025.
What They’re Saying: “We think it’s such a great story to share and such a fantastic opportunity to partner with Michael. It’s always especially exciting when someone from the younger generation can start something like that, particularly because the younger kids really look up to guys like Michael.
“When people think about giving back to an organization or the community, they often automatically think about donating money, and that’s great, but I think it’s so neat that he’s using his time and talents in a creative way to donate.”
– Dena Johnston, executive director at Lawrence Schools Foundation
Evan Byers, Gr., LHP, Kentucky
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: A four-year weapon in the bullpen for Kentucky who helped lead the Wildcats to the 2024 Southeastern Conference Championship and the first College World Series berth in school history … Has appeared in 70 games in his career with a 4.40 ERA and a 6-2 record … Had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2023, appearing in 24 games with a 1.65 ERA, before going for a 3-1 record and a 4.72 ERA in 22 games during the historic 2024 season in Lexington … Has appeared in 20 games in relief as a senior … Owns a sparkling 4.0 cumulative GPA as a current graduate student in sports fitness and recreation management … Won the 2024 NCAA Elite 90 Award, given to the top academic performer at the CWS … A seven-time Dean’s List honoree at UK and a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection … Inducted into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character in 2025.
Community Engagement: Byers has been active in the Central Kentucky community throughout his collegiate career … A member of the SEC Community Service Team in 2024 and was a two-year member of the UK Student-Athlete Advisory Committee … Is a member of UK’s Emerging Leaders program … Has volunteered with the Lexington Miracle League, has visited local elementary schools and served as a cook for fundraisers for the Jessamine County Beef Cattleman’s Association … Worked with God’s Pantry, packing Christmas gift bags for the Cincinnati community and works with Sacred Selections, an organization that raises funds for adoption fees of children into Christian homes … Was integral in presenting a wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, has helped UK’s baseball program deliver teddy bears to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital for multiple years … Has worked to set-up events for Amachi Lexington and helped serve food and visited patients at the American Cancer Society.
What They’re Saying: “In the five years Evan has been in the program he has been an absolute pleasure to work with and an exceptional representative of the state of Kentucky, University of Kentucky Athletics and the baseball program. He possesses and displays all the foundational qualities we strive to instill in our student-athletes. He is as tough and relentless on the diamond as he is caring and unselfish off of it.”
– Matt May, UK Associate Director of Athletics Communications
Tony Castonguay, Sr., C/OF, Northern Colorado
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Castonguay is in his first year as a key player for Northern Colorado, after spending the 2023 season at UNC Asheville and two seasons at Kansas … He has played in 37 games with 31 starts in 2025 with 11 doubles, three homers and 32 RBI … Hit .257 in 2023 at UNC Asheville with two homers and 25 RBI … Played in 31 games with three starts over his KU career … Owns a 3.84 cumulative GPA with a major in natural health and sciences … Was named to the 2021 All-Big 12 Academic Rookie Team.
Community Engagement: Has been active in the community throughout his collegiate career and has shown great resilience to recover from an off-the-field injury … Runs his own non-profit, “WeAreOneMovement”, where he raises scholarships for students with special needs … In the community, has volunteered with The Arc of Northeast Colorado, an advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities … In 2023, coached The Arc unified basketball team … Suffered a major injury as a pedestrian victim of a hit-and-run in Tennessee, which required operations to repair damage to his hips but still volunteered to coach The Arc basketball team while in a wheelchair and later on crutches … He later interned at The Arc while finishing his undergraduate degree.
What They’re Saying: “Tony is an exceptional student-athlete and leader on the team, who consistently shows high character of caring for teammates and people of the community. He runs his own non-profit called “WeAreOneMovement” where he raises scholarships for students with special needs who are graduating.
“Tony was the victim of a terrible hit-and-run accident while visiting his friend in Tennessee. A drunk driver hit Tony while he was walking, and he ended up in the hospital with several life-threatening injuries. It was a long road to recovery and it’s remarkable that he is able to be playing again after everything he has gone through. People hear Tony’s story, and they are inspired that he has not let terrible moments like this take away from his desire to serve others around him.”
– Michael High, former UNC Baseball SID
Grant Cunningham, Jr., RHP, Texas A&M
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: In his first year at Texas A&M in 2025 after a two-year run as a vital reliever at Washington … Sporting a 3.4 GPA with a major in business administration, Cunningham was a member of the 2024 Spring Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll and was an honorable mention all-conference performance a year ago, before joining the Aggies … He had a 20 inning scoreless streak as a sophomore in 2024 for Washington, when he fanned 56 and walked just 16 in 50.1 innings … As a junior in 2025, he has a 1-0 record and a 3.48 ERA in six appearances, working 10.1 innings with just eight hits, four earned runs and two walks allowed.
Community Engagement: Cunningham has been a stalwart, serving as a member of the Texas A&M Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and helping lead an Aggies Can canned food drive on the baseball team … He sits on the Texas A&M Athletics Council to represent student-athletes among university leadership … He led a PE class at local Mary Branch Elementary and led youth baseball teams practices in the area … Cunningham has been an active participant with Team Impact and cancer survivor Gabriel at TAMU baseball events … He is working with Baylor Scott & White Hospital to develop a visitation program for Aggie baseball where the team visits patients on Mondays and has spoken to the A&M Consolidated High School baseball team about his faith journey.
What They’re Saying: “Since stepping onto campus in the fall of 2024, Grant has consistently exemplified the spirit of service, leadership and dedication that this prestigious award seeks to recognize. From the very first day, Grant has asked one simple question: “How can I serve?” This mindset has driven him to become an invaluable asset to our community.
“Grant’s commitment to community service is nothing short of remarkable. He has been an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, but his influence extends far beyond that. Whether it’s leading service initiatives or stepping up to assist wherever needed, Grant has been instrumental in every service event organized throughout the fall and spring semesters. His work ethic, coupled with his genuine desire to give back, is something that stands out even among athletes of his caliber.
“What truly sets Grant apart is his relentless pursuit of opportunities to serve. He is in our office at least every other week, always asking how he can contribute further to making Bryan/College Station a better place. What is most inspiring about Grant is that he does not seek accolades or recognition for his efforts. He serves because he has a servant's heart. His actions are driven purely by a deep commitment to the community, not by the desire to enhance his personal reputation.
“I have never had the privilege of working with a player who embodies this level of selflessness and dedication, especially one with his athletic talent. Grant works tirelessly to make a positive impact and actively brings other athletes with him in the process, inspiring them to engage in service as well. His leadership and example are shaping a culture of community service among his peers that will continue to flourish for years to come.”
– Texas A&M Director of Operations Jason Hutchins
Connor Harris, Gr., RHP, Winthrop
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Graduate transfer who is in his second year at Winthrop after earning his undergraduate degree from George Washington … Is working on his MBA in marketing at Winthrop after earning his communication’s degree from Winthrop … Has a 3.87 GPA at Winthrop after a 3.65 cumulative GPA at George Washington … Earned first place with the student innovation pitch in November of 2023 and first place in the spring of 2022 on his pitch for Dream On 3 Nonprofit with a persuasive speech pitch … On the field, played four seasons at GWU with six career wins on the mound in 36 games with 22 starts, also owning two saves … Made six appearances in 2024 with two starts, before making nine starts in 2025 with a 4-2 record and 44 strikeouts and just six walks in 42.1 innings.
Community Engagement: Highly engaged in his community, working as Vice President of the Jackie and Rachel Robinson Society at GWU, leading a team of 15-20 in planning a major event that recognized key professionals who embody the Robinson legacy, coordinating an event for more than 200 people … Was an inaugural member of College Dream On 3, GW Chapter, raising more than $8,000 to grant life-changing dream trips to children with life-threatening illnesses … Worked as a member of Grassroots Health DC in 2022, and assisted in organizing the Dober Invitational in Farmington, Ct., a charity golf tournament with 33 teams and 25 sponsors … Is active as a volunteer with his local Miracle Leagues.
What They’re Saying: “Connor embodies what you want representing your team, your program and your institution. He is extremely selfless and thinks of and takes time for others. He is a role model on and off the field and great with kids at local Miracle League where he goes above and beyond expectations. He makes great contributions to the community he lives in.”
– Winthrop Head Baseball Coach Mike McGuire
Joe Sheets, Sr., RHP, Columbia
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: A four-year member of the Columbia pitching staff, where he has made 45 career stats and owns a 12-13 record … Has worked 226.1 innings, striking out 166 … Has made double-digit starts in each of his four seasons … Has 40 strikeouts in 50 innings as a senior … Owns a 3.85 cumulative GPA as an economics major … Named Academic All-District by the College Sports Communicators … Earned the Joseph Allen Award, presented annually to a member of the team who has made the greatest contribution in terms of inspirational leadership, sportsmanship, college loyalty and service as a player … Named first-team All-Ivy in 2024 … Won the 2023 Columbia Cy Young Award, given to the team’s best pitcher … Named honorable mention all-league in 2023 and second-team in 2022.
Community Engagement: While managing a strenuous academic workload at an Ivy League school, has been a fixture in the community and a team leader in community engagement … Was a member of the Inaugural Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team in 2024 … Has been a three-year participant in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s … Participated in Columbia’s Inwood Little League Clinic for three years, and for four years has helped with the canned food drive for the Broadway community … Helped for the last four years in cooking meals for those in need through God’s Love We Deliver … Is a four-year member of the student-athlete advisory committee.
What They’re Saying: “Joe Sheets is the perfect representation of what a Columbia baseball and Ivy League student-athlete is. His accomplishments on the field are impressive and say a lot about his talent as an athlete, but his contributions to the Manhattan community off the field as a leader speak much louder. Joe also gets the job done in the classroom. He has collected accolades for his performance on the field, as well as work in the community and in academics.” – Columbia Head Coach Brett Boretti
Austin Smith, Sr., LHP/OF, San Diego
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: A three-year starter and two-way player for San Diego, after playing the 2022 season for UC San Diego … Sports a 3.32 overall GPA with a major in sociology … Was honored as an All-American in 2024 by the NCBWA and the ABCA and entered the year as a preseason second-team All-American by D1baseball … Was a finalist for the 2024 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Trophy in 2024 and a semifinalist for the NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy … Named second-team all-conference in 2023 and first team in 2024 … Has played in over 190 games and pitched in over 40 games … Made seven pitching starts for UC San Diego in 2022, while hitting .261 with four homers and 30 RBI … Has played in 148 games, with 148 starts over his three-year career for USD, hitting .313 with 171 hits, 33 doubles, 16 homers and 120 RBI, while owning a 14-6 record and a 4.50 ERA in 41 appearances and 21 starts on the mound … Owns seven saves in 130 innings at USD, striking out 139 and allowing only 121 hits … Is hitting .345 as a senior with six homers and 39 RBI, while working in 12 games on the mound with five starts and three saves.
Community Engagement: Highly engaged with the USD community throughout his three years at USD, volunteering with organizations that include the Lucky Duck Foundation, the ALS Foundation, the Autism Tree Foundation and local little leagues and youth baseball organizations in the San Diego area.
What They’re Saying: “When a young child with cancer visited Fowler Park as part of a “Make A Wish” type day earlier, Austin took charge to ensure he would have the best day possible, coordinating a wiffle-ball game centered around the young fan that was the highlight of his afternoon with the team.
“Austin was unfazed when the child had a tough time getting ‘hits’ and patiently threw him pitch after pitch while encouraging and coaching him up. By the end of the game, the child was hitting balls all over the place and had a big smile on his face. His big day at the ballpark undoubtedly made more memorable by Austin’s caring demeanor.
“That is the type of genuine kindness and generosity Austin brings to his hometown San Diego community. He’s a first-class individual on and off the field.”
– USD Head Coach Brock Ungricht
Chris Stanfield, Jr., OF, LSU
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Is in his first year at LSU after playing the first two seasons of his career at Auburn … Played in 102 games at Auburn, collecting 97 hits with 16 doubles, seven homers and 47 RBI over his two-year career, adding 18 stolen bases … Has 148 games in his career with 143 hits, 29 doubles, five triples, seven homers and 66 RBI, stealing 21 bases … In 2025 at LSU, has played in 46 games with 13 doubles, two triples and 19 RBI … Named to the 2025 Frisco College Classic All-Tournament Team.
Community Engagement: Over his three-year career, Stanfield has been a fixture in the communities of Auburn and LSU … Launched his “Be The 1” Campaign at LSU, where he donates $100 to the Miracle League in Baton Rouge for every game he has an extra-base hit or stolen base … He is actively involved with the Miracle League in Baton Rouge … While at Auburn, his campaign raised $10,000 for the Miracle League of East Alabama, and he has been active in that organization since he was in eighth grade in Tallahassee, Florida … Also volunteers with local elementary schools.
What They’re Saying: “Chris believes that throughout his life, baseball has given him so much, so he continues to give back. He believes he is playing for a special purpose and encourages others to join him in his philanthropic efforts.”
– Bill Franques, Senior Associate Communications Director
Jose Torres, Sr., C, Louisiana
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Has shined in two years with the Ragin Cajuns after playing his first two collegiate seasons at San Jacinto Junior College … A standout catcher, Torres has hit .302 in 103 games over his Louisiana career, with 103 games and 93 starts … He owns 95 career hits, 19 doubles, five homers and 64 RBI … As a senior in 2025, has hit .291 with nine doubles, two homers and 29 RBI … Batted .310 in his Louisiana debut season with 35 runs, 10 doubles, three homers and 35 RBI … Was on the Buster Posey Award Midseason Watch List in 2024 and was named to the all-tournament team in the 2024 NCAA College Station Regional … Owns a 3.26 cumulative GPA and is a two-time member of the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s Academic List.
Community Engagement: Torres is active in the Lafayette, La., community, volunteering with a host of organizations, and has gathered a team-leading 50 hours of community service hours, including with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Acadiana, working specifically at a Summer 2024 Kid’s Day at Blackham Coliseum … Participates in church clean-up at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church … Volunteers his own time to clean the stadium at Louisiana, including pressure washing the facility on his own … Works with the Youngsville Sports Complex to participate in special needs baseball clinics and another clinic that has over 300 children attending … Worked with The Bayou Church to volunteer for clean-up following a hurricane, and also is a member of the men’s group at the church … Helped set up a Broussard community fair with Sacred Heart Catholic Church … Has volunteered to help set up for kids at the Ush One See 5K and One Mile Fun Run … Has also worked the Downtown Alive event, the Love Acadiana Project, Louisiana campus move-in day and a host of Lafayette Little League events and clinics … Helped the Lafayette Museum move dinosaur and mammoth skeletons, assisted in an Ossun Elementary Pep Rally and helped Hospice of Acadiana with a Christmas set up.
What They’re Saying: “Jose is the consummate teammate and became an immediate fan favorite due to the positive energy he brings to the clubhouse and field on a daily basis. He performs all tasks enthusiastically and is always willing to lend a hand.”
– Matt Sullivan, Director of Athletics Communications