A Season of Excellence
The 2026 Times All-Area Baseball Team brings together 40 of the most impressive high school players from across Illinois, recognizing those who combined statistical dominance with leadership on the field.
First‑team honors spotlight a mix of power hitters and steady arms, with players from schools such as Sandwich, Ottawa, and Marquette leading the charge.
Standout Performers
Braden Behringer of Sandwich posted a .473 batting average, smacking 11 doubles, two triples, two homers and driving in 37 runs, while Aaden Browder from Earlville/Leland batted .386 with six doubles and 21 RBIs.
Colt Bryson of Ottawa contributed a .320 average, seven doubles, two homers, 31 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, and Adam Swanson of Ottawa batted a scorching .505 with 11 doubles, nine homers, 41 RBIs and 21 steals.
On the mound, Clay Christoff of Streator went 3‑7 with a 3.61 ERA, while Nate Kelley of Serena posted a 7‑2 record, a 2.45 ERA and 72 strikeouts in just over 51 innings.
Griffin Dobberstein of Marquette was equally dominant, going 8‑2 with a 1.45 ERA and also batting .472 with 21 doubles, four triples, three homers and 44 RBIs.
Other notable performances include Cody Clennon of Seneca, who hit .356 with three doubles, a pair of triples and 11 stolen bases, and Layten Gerdes of Fieldcrest, who clubbed seven doubles, six homers and 24 RBIs.
The team’s depth extends to players like Rizon Contreras and David Ulrich, each adding solid offensive numbers, while Alec Novotney of Marquette combined pitching excellence with a .472 batting average.
Looking Ahead
With such a rich pool of talent, the 2026 All‑Area squad not only celebrates past achievements but also signals a bright future for Illinois baseball at the collegiate and professional levels.