The Golden Spikes Award is bestowed annually to the best amateur baseball player in the United States. The award, created by USA Baseball and sponsored by the Major League Baseball Players Association, was first presented in 1978. It is given to an amateur player who best exhibits and combines "exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship". The award is considered the most prestigious in amateur baseball.
Bob Horner, who won the inaugural Golden Spikes Award in 1978, also received the Rookie of the Year Award and was the first overall MLB draft pick in the same year.
Jered Weaver, the 2004 recipient, is one of three award winners to pitch a no-hitter.
Tim Lincecum, the 2006 winner, received the Cy Young Award in 2008 and 2009.
USA Baseball is the national governing body for baseball in the United States, and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation. The organization is responsible for the selection of the United States national team for various international competition, including the senior professional team, the collegiate national team, the various youth national teams, and the women's national team.
USA Baseball National Training Complex