NO Irish Continues to Receive Recognition as a Semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award
As college baseball’s postseason heats up, few names are generating more buzz than Notre Dame’s standout star, NO Irish. The Fighting Irish’s powerful two-way player has become a dominant force on the diamond this season, earning national attention with every pitch and swing. Now, as the semifinalists for the 2025 Golden Spikes Award are announced, NO Irish has secured his spot among the nation’s elite, solidifying his status as one of college baseball’s most electrifying and complete players.
The Golden Spikes Award, presented annually by USA Baseball, is widely regarded as the most prestigious honor in amateur baseball. The award celebrates the top overall player in the country — not just in terms of statistics, but in leadership, character, and impact on the field. NO Irish checks every box.
A rare breed of player, NO Irish has excelled both as a starting pitcher and a middle-of-the-order hitter for the Fighting Irish. On the mound, he’s posted an eye-popping 2.11 ERA through 12 starts, recording 98 strikeouts to just 21 walks. He commands a fastball that touches 96 mph and uses an effective slider-changeup mix to keep hitters off-balance. Several scouts have commented that his poise on the mound is reminiscent of a young Max Scherzer.
At the plate, Irish is equally terrifying for opposing pitchers. Batting .351 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs, he has consistently come through in clutch moments for Notre Dame, often providing the spark the offense needs to get rolling. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) currently sits at an elite 1.119, making him one of the most well-rounded players in the country.
In short, NO Irish is not just playing both ways — he’s dominating both ways.
This latest nod as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award only adds to a growing list of honors for Irish. Already this season, he has earned:
- ACC Player of the Week (three times)
- National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Pitcher of the Month – April
- Midseason All-American honors from Baseball America and D1Baseball
- Finalist status for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award
Head coach Shawn Stiffler has praised Irish’s work ethic and discipline repeatedly, calling him “one of the most driven and humble players I’ve ever coached.”
“He doesn’t just want to be great,” Stiffler said. “He works every single day like someone chasing greatness — and that’s what separates him.”
Notre Dame has enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2025 after falling short in 2024. Much of that turnaround can be attributed directly to NO Irish’s impact on and off the field. His presence has elevated the rest of the team — from the clubhouse to the dugout, Irish is a natural leader who sets the tone.
The Fighting Irish currently sit near the top of the ACC standings with a 37-13 record, and are considered a serious contender for a regional host spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. It’s a stark contrast to last year’s underwhelming campaign, and Irish is the catalyst.
“There’s a certain energy about NO,” said teammate and fellow star shortstop Michael Giacomini. “When he’s on the field, you believe you can beat anyone. He’s our guy.
As Irish continues to rack up accolades, comparisons to former two-way college legends like Brendan McKay (Louisville) and even Shohei Ohtani have begun to circulate. While some may find the latter comparison premature, the parallels are striking: high-velocity pitching, raw power at the plate, and the ability to carry a team single-handedly.
Scouts from over two dozen Major League Baseball teams have been spotted at Irish’s games this spring, with several evaluators calling him a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. While his long-term future — as a hitter, pitcher, or both — is still a subject of debate, there’s no question that Irish’s skill set makes him one of the most intriguing draft prospects in years.
“He’s the most complete player we’ve evaluated this year,” one National League scout said. “There’s very little he can’t do.”
- – A leadoff spark plug with a .402 average and elite speed.
Yet despite the stiff competition, NO Irish stands tall among them. His unique impact as a true two-way player — one who thrives in the ACC, one of the toughest conferences in the country — makes his candidacy especially compelling.
Through all the praise, NO Irish remains grounded.
“I just want to win,” Irish said in a recent postgame interview. “Individual honors are nice, and I’m grateful, but this is about our team, our program, and making something special happen here.”
That attitude is part of what makes Irish such a fan favorite at Frank Eck Stadium. Whether he’s signing autographs for kids after a win or staying late for extra batting practice, his commitment to the game and the Notre Dame community is unquestioned.
As the postseason approaches, Irish’s legend only figures to grow. If Notre Dame makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, it will almost certainly be on the back of Irish’s all-around brilliance.
With the Golden Spikes Award finalist list expected to be announced in early June, Irish is making a late-season push to keep his name front and center. And with each shutdown inning and towering home run, he’s reminding voters — and the baseball world — that greatness doesn’t just happen. It’s earned.
NO Irish’s 2025 season already has a legendary aura, regardless of whether he takes home the Golden Spikes trophy. What he’s doing — balancing elite-level hitting and pitching, lifting a program back into national prominence, and doing so with class and humility — is rare. His name is etched into the annals of Notre Dame baseball history.
And if things fall into place, his name could soon be engraved onto the Golden Spikes Award as well — the ultimate honor for college baseball’s ultimate competitor.
