Feb. 16, 2005

WACO, Texas - Baylor's Josh Ford was added to the Brooks Wallace Award watch list Wednesday. The award is presented to the nation's top collegiate player by the College Baseball Foundation. The list is comprised of 64 Division I players from across the nation. Cal State Fullerton catcher Kurt Suzuki won the initial Brooks Wallace Award last season.

The Wallace Watch will be trimmed to 12 semi-finalists by May 24. The selection committee then will narrow the list to three finalists following the NCAA Super Regionals.

The award is dedicated to the memory of former Texas Tech shortstop and assistant coach Brooks Wallace. A four-year starter from 1977 to 1980, Wallace was named All-Southwest Conference and All-District VI his senior year when he lead the Red Raiders to their first-ever appearance in the Southwest Conference Tournament. After playing two years in the Texas Rangers organization, he returned to Texas Tech and served as a graduate assistant and later as an assistant coach. In the summer of 1984, Wallace was diagnosed with cancer and fought the disease courageously until his death March 24, 1985.

The selection committee for the Wallace Award is comprised of a national panel of coaches, sports information directors, former winners and media. Screening Committee members will evaluate the candidates and will continue their review throughout the entire baseball season. Additional Wallace Watch candidates may be added as the season progresses. Voting for the three finalists and the Wallace Award winner will be conducted by confidential balloting, with totals tabulated by the J.W. Anderson & Associates accounting firm in Lubbock.