Glory days: Wittels’ fans rally for the ESPYs

He’s the talk of baseball. The talk of the town, really. Garrett Wittels’ 56-game hitting streak, second all-time in Division I baseball, has electrified the FIU community, South Florida and baseball fans – all rooting for him to make history.

ESPN took note and named Wittels one of four ESPY nominees for Best Male College Athlete.  The ESPYs honor the best achievements, moments and leading athletes of the year. FIU’s All-American infielder is facing stiff competition: Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram; John Wall and Evan Turner, who were the top two picks in the NBA draft; and Wisconsin hockey player Blake Geoffrion.

The news.FIU.edu team caught up with Wittels last week on the phone from Alaska, where he is playing with the Peninsula Oilers in a summer league, to get his reaction to the nomination.

“At first I thought no way,” said Wittels. “But after talking to people and hearing how much support I have, I’m starting to think I may be able to take the trophy.

“I’m just so happy to be there, in the company of many of these people,” he added.

Wittels is facing tough odds. But his supporters argue his accomplishments merit the coveted award. He had a hit in every game he played last season; a team-high batting average of .413 with 100 hits; and 60 RBI.

In anticipation of Wittels playing in Alaska, blogs were buzzing about the FIU shortstop’s feat. The consensus was that Wittels’ story was bigger than just college baseball.

The editor of the 49th State Hardball Web site wrote, “He’s a very talented hitter, and he’s got the skill to do it with a real bat. The secret to his success is his tremendous patience at the plate and eye for the strike zone. That’s something that you can’t keep bottled up in an aluminum bat.”

Wittels has also won the respect and admiration of other ballplayers.

After the Coral Gables regional, Dartmouth shortstop Joe Sclafani was asked if he’d had the opportunity to talk to Wittels. “He was a pretty down-to-earth guy,” said Scalfani, sounding more like a fan than an opponent. “He said that he was really nervous when the streak was around 30 games. But after about 40, he stopped worrying about it and just tried to help his team win, which I thought was an awesome approach and the reason why he was successful.”

And then there are the Wittels groupies.

Blogger Dakota Diamond Griffith wrote in her GoHorseShow.com column: “Down to earth. Check. Fun loving. Check. Good looking. You be the judge. Must be willing to take a second seat to baseball. Hmmmm – maybe if he wins an ESPY! In case you were wondering, that’s the criteria of what NCAA baseball hottie extraordinaire, Garrett Wittels is looking for in a girlfriend.”

Griffith asked fans to help Wittels win an ESPY award and, in turn, help her get a date with the “hottie extraordinaire.” If he wins on July 14, Wittels’ has agreed to go on a date with the blogger.

“I’m just trying to have a good time,” said Wittels of the deal with Griffith.

Hundreds of family, friends and fans are using Wittels’ facebook page to wish him well and share how he has inspired them.

Brice Mendes wrote, “I will vote for you 1000000 times, have u seen your competition? #1 draft pick, the college basketball player of the year, a Heisman trophy winner, and the best college hockey player. That’s amazing company!”

“Garrett Wittels gets my ESPY’s vote for best male College Athlete,” said Sam Katz. “As great a season as John Wall, Mark Ingram, and Evan Turner had, Wittels season could go down as one of the best college seasons in the history of the NCAA.”

“You’re my HERO!” said Asia Wilson.

Trophy or no trophy, Wittels has given FIU some added swagger and definite bragging rights.

The ESPYs award show, hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Seth Meyers, will air Wednesday, July 14. Everyone is invited to the FIU ESPYs Watch Party Wednesday at Chili’s in the Graham Center from 8-11 p.m.

— Sissi Aguila ’99, MA’08