UCLA Catcher Among Howser Trophy Finalists

UCLA catcher Paul Ellis is among five finalists for the 1990 Dick Howser Trophy given annually to the College Player of the Year.

The winner, chosen from representatives of the three NCAA divisions, the NAIA and the NJCAA, will be selected based on performance, achievement, leadership, courage and character. The award, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s baseball council, will be presented at the Florida Governor’s Baseball Dinner in March.

Ellis, representing the NCAA Division I, batted .360, led the nation with 29 home runs and was second nationally with 83 runs batted in last season.

Bodybuilder Mike Christian, a Venice resident who won the Mr. World competition in 1988 and was Mr. Universe in 1984, will autograph pictures and give a motivational speech during a visit today to the Venice Boys and Girls Club. The event starts at 1:30 p.m.