Richard Fitts named to Golden Spikes Award watch list

DURHAM, N.C. – Auburn right-hander Richard Fitts has been named to the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list, USA Baseball announced Thursday.
 
The 2021 season marks the fourth straight year an Auburn pitcher has appeared on the preseason watch list as Fitts follows in the footsteps of Casey Mize (2018) and Tanner Burns (2019, 2020). The Tigers are joined by LSU as the only two programs in America with a pitcher represented on the watch list each of the last four seasons. Former Auburn infielder Will Holland was also named to the list in 2019.
 
The preseason watch list features 55 of the nation's top amateur players from high school and college baseball. The Golden Spikes Award Advisory Board will maintain a rolling list of players, allowing athletes to play themselves into consideration throughout the season. The 43rd Golden Spikes Award will ultimately be presented in July.
 
The 2021 Golden Spikes Award timeline:
April 14: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award midseason watch list announced
June 8: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award semifinalists announced, fan voting begins
June 15: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award semifinalists fan voting ends
June 24: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award finalists announced, fan voting begins
July 2: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award finalists fan voting ends
June: USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award trophy presentation
 
The recognition continues a list of preseason accolades for Fitts, who has already been named Second Team Preseason All-America by D1 Baseball and Third Team Preseason All-America by Baseball America. Additionally, Fitts has been ranked the No. 8 and No. 9 college prospect by Perfect Game and D1 Baseball, respectively, as well as the No. 13 overall prospect by Perfect Game, No. 15 overall prospect by Baseball America and No. 17 overall prospect by MLB.com.
 
A key contributor since his freshman season in 2019, the Helena, Alabama, native has made 27 career appearances, including six starts, and has posted a 6-3 record with a 4.88 ERA. Fitts made appearances in the SEC Tournament, regional, super regional and College World Series as a freshman before going 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in six appearances as a sophomore.
 
He is one of 15 players, including 10 pitchers, from the Southeastern Conference to be recognized on the preseason watch list.