Florida State University Athletics
Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1993
Alicea arrived to Florida State University in the summer of 1983 from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. His first conquest came not on the playing field, but against an English-speaking environment to which his Latin ears and tongue were not accustomed. He took on intense lingual courses, spendinh nights in his room learning the English language.
Once inside the confines of Dick Howser Stadium, however, the all-star second baseman/shortstop was "home" again. As a freshman, Alicea set a school record with a 27-game hitting streak and led the team in triples. His Seminole team won a Metro Conference Championship while Alicea won a spot on Baseball America's Freshman All-American team.
Alicea quickly became a crowd favorite at Florida State. Throughout his career, Seminole fans always greeted Luis Alicea's every at-bat with their personal rendition of, "Louie, Louie."
The switch-hitting sophomore continued to blossom throughout his second season. He averaged .325, had 116 hits and crossed home plate 100 times. His speed-of-foot allowed him 26 stolen bases.
In 1986 the quiet confidence behind Alicea's ever-present smile spoke loudly - "All-American." Batting .392 and bringing home 73 base runners, Alicea's eight-home-run junior season was his finest. Pro scouts hailed him as the nation's premier collegiate 2nd baseman. His speed, style and hand/foot quickness rated high on scouting evaluations.
Alicea won the South II Regional MVP award enroute to FSU's appearance in the '86 College World Series. While the Seminoles fell one game short of a national championship, Alicea was named to the CWS All-Tournament team.
He was the only CWS player chosen during the first round of the '86 draft. The St. Louis Cardinals made him their #1 choice and 23rd overall selection.
