Jul 2, 2012
[July 2, 2012] OMAHA, Neb. – Davidson College senior standout Drew Gadaire has won college baseball’s inaugural Fan’s Choice Award presented by TD Ameritrade. Gadaire won a close race, edging out Georgia Southern’s Eric Phillips in the final day of voting by less than one percent of the votes cast.
The Fan’s Choice Award goes beyond the stat sheet to honor and recognize college baseball players who are positive role models both on and off the field, exemplifying core values like teamwork and integrity, as well as the drive to win. Over the course of six weeks, 19 finalists competed online for fan votes via Facebook. As the winner, Gadaire will be honored at the 2012 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby in Omaha, Neb. on Tuesday, July 3.
Gadaire, a senior co-captain, had a solid year on the field, batting over .300 with an on-base percentage of more than .400, but his accomplishments extend off the field as well. Earlier in the year, he spent time in Fez, Morocco, as a recipient of the Dean Rusk Language Grant. Gadaire studied Arabic with a native Moroccan tutor and volunteered at a local shelter for underprivileged boys. He is studying Psychology at Davidson and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
“I have played against [Eric Phillips] for four years and I know that he deserves it as well,” said Drew Gadaire after hearing the results. The center fielder went on to say he hopes the two can both be honored in Omaha during the College Home Run Derby as co-winners.
“We are proud to present the first Fan’s Choice Award to Drew Gadaire,” said Katrina Becker, managing director of communications and public affairs at TD Ameritrade. “The fans selected a great athlete with a proven commitment to athletics, academics and the global community. He clearly exemplifies teamwork, integrity – both on and off the field – and the drive to win. Congratulations to Drew and each of the 2012 award finalists.”
The Fan’s Choice Award is the only college baseball award that is completely determined by fans. Each vote submitted was automatically entered into a sweepstakes that will send one lucky fan on a VIP trip for two to the 2013 college baseball National Championship Series in Omaha. The winner will be randomly selected and announced soon.
The 2012 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby will be held at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha on Tuesday, July 3. It will be televised on CBS Saturday, July 7, at 2 p.m. EDT.
For more information on the Fan’s Choice Award or the event, please contact Nick Owen at 312-467-2826 or nowen@intersportnet.com.