University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Roch Cholowsky
Photo by: Mac Brown
Cholowsky Named Golden Spikes Award Finalist
June 10, 2026 | Baseball
CARY, N.C. -ย UCLA junior shortstop Roch Cholowsky has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 Golden Spikes Award, USA Baseball announced Wednesday. The honor is presented annually to the nation's top amateur baseball player and recognizes exceptional on-field performance, sportsmanship, character, and a positive impact on the sport.
ย
Cholowsky is joined on the finalist list by Arizona State outfielder Landon Hairston and Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson. The Bruins' star shortstop delivered one of the most complete two-way seasons in the country to become the program's first Golden Spikes Award finalist since 2011. This marks the 48th edition of the award, which will be presented on Monday, June 29 on MLB Network at 7:30 p.m. ET.
ย
Cholowsky becomes just the fourth player in UCLA history to be named a Golden Spikes Award finalist and would be the program's second winner, joining Trevor Bauer (2011).
ย
Cholowsky produced one of the most dominant campaigns in UCLA history, hitting .320 with 21 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 73 runs scored while starting all 60 games at shortstop. He was named the 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year, becoming the first UCLA player and just the third player in Big Ten history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
ย
He led the conference in runs, home runs, and hit-by-pitches (25), ranked third in total bases (147), and finished fifth in RBIs and OPS (1.088). Defensively, he was one of the nation's premier shortstops, posting a .965 fielding percentage, turning 30 double plays, and ranking second among Division I shortstops in WAR (4.53), defensive runs saved (14.73), and defensive WAR (1.08).
ย
In addition to his on-field excellence, Cholowsky has made a meaningful impact off the field. During his freshman year, he formed a lasting bond with a young patient named Luke during a visit to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. This relationship has continued, with Cholowsky regularly checking in and spending time with Luke at his home.
ย
The Golden Spikes Award voting body includes national baseball media, select professional baseball personnel, USA Baseball staff, and all previous winners. Fan voting is also open at GoldenSpikesAward.com through June 28.
ย
The winner will be announced June 29 on MLB Network.
ย
ย
Cholowsky is joined on the finalist list by Arizona State outfielder Landon Hairston and Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson. The Bruins' star shortstop delivered one of the most complete two-way seasons in the country to become the program's first Golden Spikes Award finalist since 2011. This marks the 48th edition of the award, which will be presented on Monday, June 29 on MLB Network at 7:30 p.m. ET.
ย
Cholowsky becomes just the fourth player in UCLA history to be named a Golden Spikes Award finalist and would be the program's second winner, joining Trevor Bauer (2011).
ย
Cholowsky produced one of the most dominant campaigns in UCLA history, hitting .320 with 21 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 73 runs scored while starting all 60 games at shortstop. He was named the 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year, becoming the first UCLA player and just the third player in Big Ten history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
ย
He led the conference in runs, home runs, and hit-by-pitches (25), ranked third in total bases (147), and finished fifth in RBIs and OPS (1.088). Defensively, he was one of the nation's premier shortstops, posting a .965 fielding percentage, turning 30 double plays, and ranking second among Division I shortstops in WAR (4.53), defensive runs saved (14.73), and defensive WAR (1.08).
ย
In addition to his on-field excellence, Cholowsky has made a meaningful impact off the field. During his freshman year, he formed a lasting bond with a young patient named Luke during a visit to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. This relationship has continued, with Cholowsky regularly checking in and spending time with Luke at his home.
ย
The Golden Spikes Award voting body includes national baseball media, select professional baseball personnel, USA Baseball staff, and all previous winners. Fan voting is also open at GoldenSpikesAward.com through June 28.
ย
The winner will be announced June 29 on MLB Network.
ย
Players Mentioned
INF
/ BaseballSunday, May 31
Saturday, May 30
Saturday, May 30
Friday, May 29