IRVINE, Calif. --- Taylor Sparks is one of 46 players to be named a semifinalist for the Gregg Olson award, honoring college baseball's "Breakout Player of the Year".

The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. The semifinalists have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.

In his freshman campaign, Sparks posted 25 hits and 12 runs batted in while hitting .202. He rebounded with a successful summer with the Wenatchee Apple Sox in which he helped the team win its fifth West Coast League championship and won the WCL Home Run derby with 11 round-trippers. For the Anteaters this season, Sparks' perseverance has paid off and the sophomore currently is first on the team with 48 RBI and nine home runs and tied for first in hits with 77. He leads the Big West in slugging at .572, is second in RBI and third in batting average with a .358 clip. Sparks also leads the conference with 123 total bases and was voted a Big West Player of the Week this year.

A list of finalists is scheduled to be announced on Monday, June 3rd in conjunction with the conclusion of NCAA Regional play. The winner of the 2013 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 15-June 25/26.

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