Southern University's Weeks selected Howser player of the year

OMAHA, Neb. -- Southern University second baseman Rickie Weeks won the Dick Howser Award on Friday as the nation's best college baseball player.

The All-American led the nation in hitting the last two seasons with averages of .495 and .479, respectively. He was a two-time Southwestern Athletic Conference player of the year and taken with the No. 2 overall pick by Milwaukee in the major league draft last week.

"Talent comes a long way but a player must have the mental aspect," he said. "I thank God for giving me the ability to enjoy the game I love best."

The 17th annual Howser award, presented by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, was announced before the start of the College World Series.

The Howser Trophy was named after the former Florida State All-American player who went on to play eight seasons in the major leagues and manage the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals. Howser died of cancer in 1987.