Wildcats' Dee Kennedy named to season watch lists

K-State junior shortstop earns national recognition for standout season

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:09am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the raw athleticism and skill of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a star college baseball player's powerful swing, capturing the dynamic energy and precision of the game.Topeka Today

Dee Kennedy, a junior shortstop for the Kansas State Wildcats baseball team, has been named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List. He is one of four players from the Big 12 Conference to earn this honor, and the fifth Wildcat in school history to be selected for the prestigious watch list.

Why it matters

Kennedy's inclusion on the Golden Spikes Award watch list, which recognizes the top amateur baseball player in the country, highlights his exceptional performance so far this season. As a key player for the Wildcats, his national recognition brings positive attention to the program and the university.

The details

Through 29 games, Kennedy leads the Wildcats' offense with a .442 batting average and a team-best 1.529 OPS. He has tallied 11 doubles, one triple, and 14 home runs, and his 46 total runs scored are the most in the nation. Kennedy has also been named a First Team Midseason All-American by D1 Baseball and Perfect Game.

  • Dee Kennedy was named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List in April 2026.
  • Kennedy has led the Wildcats' offense through the first 29 games of the 2026 season.

The players

Dee Kennedy

A junior shortstop for the Kansas State Wildcats baseball team who has been named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List and earned First Team Midseason All-American honors.

Kansas State Wildcats

The college baseball team that Dee Kennedy plays for, based in Manhattan, Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“Dee Kennedy's inclusion on the Golden Spikes Award watch list is a testament to his exceptional performance this season. As a key player for the Wildcats, his national recognition brings positive attention to the program and the university.”

— Sydney Clark, Author

What’s next

Kennedy will look to continue his standout season as the Wildcats push for a strong finish and potential postseason berth.

The takeaway

Dee Kennedy's recognition on the prestigious Golden Spikes Award watch list highlights the talent and potential of the Kansas State Wildcats baseball program, and serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of their star shortstop.