The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — Clemson outfielder Seth Beer has been named winner of the Dick Howser Trophy as college baseball’s national player of the year.

The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced Friday that Beer is the first freshman to receive the award. Beer also was the first freshman named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year.

Beer batted .369 with 18 homers, 13 doubles, 70 RBIs and a .535 on-base percentage. The native of Suwanee, Georgia, is the third Clemson player to win the award, tying Texas.

Beer led the Tigers to 44 wins, a national seed in the NCAA Tournament and Clemson’s first ACC championship in 10 years.

The award is named for the former Florida State All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987.