A Milestone for the Sun Devils
Landon Hairston’s name now appears among the eight candidates for the 2026 Golden Spikes Award, the premier honor recognizing the nation’s top collegiate baseball player. The Arizona State junior earned the nod after a season that placed him on the First Team All‑American list from both the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America and Perfect Game.
His teammate, second‑baseman Nu’u Contrades, was also recognized, landing on the third team All‑American squad from the same outlets. Together, the pair helped the Sun Devils capture the ABCA All‑West Region First Team honors, positioning them for potential All‑America selections.
Historical Context
The achievement adds to a storied lineage at Arizona State. Hairston becomes the tenth finalist in school history and the first since pitcher Mike Leake in 2009. He follows in the footsteps of past Golden Spikes winners and finalists such as Bob Horner, Oddibe McDowell and Mike Kelly, who have all left indelible marks on the program.
Coach Willie Bloomquist, now in his second year at the helm, has overseen a resurgence that produced seven and eight All‑Americans in recent seasons. Under his guidance, the Sun Devils have continued to develop talent that competes at the highest levels of collegiate baseball.
With the award ceremony approaching, the spotlight will turn to Hairston and his peers as they aim to bring another Golden Spikes trophy to Tempe. Their performances not only highlight individual excellence but also reinforce Arizona State’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in college baseball.