University of Memphis Athletics
James Smith IV Named to John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award Watch List for Second Straight Season
Mar 04, 2026 | Baseball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis OF/RHP James Smith IV was one of 49 players named to the 2026 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award Watch List, the College Baseball Foundation announced Wednesday.
Smith, a senior from Olive Branch, Miss., is batting .250 to start the season with 11 hits and two home runs. His last appearances on the mound took place during his injury-shortened 2025 season where he tossed five innings in three games and recorded two strikeouts.
During the 2025 MLB Draft, Smith was selected 433rd overall by the New York Mets and became the first Memphis player drafted since Dalton Fowler and Dalton Kendrick were picked 273rd and 534th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. Smith also became the 84th player selected in program history.
The John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award is named after John Olerud, a former Washington State first baseman and left-handed pitcher during the late 1980s. He was later inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
The award has been awarded annually since 2010 and features previous winners such as Spencer Schwellenbach (2021), Paul Skenes (2022) and Jack Caglianone (2024). Last season's winner, Evan Dempsey from Florida Gulf Coast, headlines this season's list. George Watson, chairman of the award, said "This may be one of the deepest and most talented watch lists we've had since the John Olerud Award was created". For more information on the award visit the College Baseball Foundation website at www.cbhalloffame.org/hall.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Smith, a senior from Olive Branch, Miss., is batting .250 to start the season with 11 hits and two home runs. His last appearances on the mound took place during his injury-shortened 2025 season where he tossed five innings in three games and recorded two strikeouts.
During the 2025 MLB Draft, Smith was selected 433rd overall by the New York Mets and became the first Memphis player drafted since Dalton Fowler and Dalton Kendrick were picked 273rd and 534th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. Smith also became the 84th player selected in program history.
The John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award is named after John Olerud, a former Washington State first baseman and left-handed pitcher during the late 1980s. He was later inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
The award has been awarded annually since 2010 and features previous winners such as Spencer Schwellenbach (2021), Paul Skenes (2022) and Jack Caglianone (2024). Last season's winner, Evan Dempsey from Florida Gulf Coast, headlines this season's list. George Watson, chairman of the award, said "This may be one of the deepest and most talented watch lists we've had since the John Olerud Award was created". For more information on the award visit the College Baseball Foundation website at www.cbhalloffame.org/hall.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Baseball: Matt Riser Press Conference - February 9, 2026
Monday, February 09
Baseball: Shane Cox, Javon Hernandez, and Freddy Rodriguez Press Conference - February 9, 2026
Monday, February 09
Baseball: David Case and Seth Garner Press Conference - February 9, 2026
Monday, February 09
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Baseball Edition - May 14, 2025
Wednesday, May 14