Texas Tech University Athletics
Garcia named to Brooks Wallace Watchlist
March 04, 2026 | Baseball
The freshman is hitting .400 with three home runs and 20 RBIs through his first 11 games
OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – Texas Tech Freshman Linkin Garcia has been tabbed to the 2026 Brooks Wallace (Nation's best SS) Award Watchlist, the organization announced Wednesday.
Comprised of the best 100 shortstops in the country, the Brooks Wallace Award is given annually to the nation's top shortstop and is named after former Texas Tech SS Brooks Wallace who played for Texas Tech from 1977 to 1980. Wallace died of leukemia at the age of 27 back in 1985.
Wallace's No. 22 jersey has been retired by Texas Tech after the infielder was an All-SWC honoree and an All-District VI recognition.
A native of Huntington Beach, Calif., Garica has burst on the scene thus far in 2026, as the shortstop has hit .400 through the first 45 at-bats of his Texas Tech career has hit three home runs and 20 RBIs. Garcia has recorded an OPS of 1.183 so far this season and has scored 17 runs in 11 games.
His 20 RBIs lead the Red Raider squad and are the fourth-most in the Big 12 Conference this season. Garcia ranks seventh in average in the league and third in total runs scored.
Garcia and the Red Raiders continue a 15-game homestand this weekend when the Nittany Lions of Penn State come to town. First pitch from Rip Griffin Park at Dan Law Field on Friday is set for 6:30 p.m.
