2026 Herald-Times Baseball Honors
Xavier Hemingway and Connor Couch, seniors at Bloomington South, have been named the 2026 Herald-Times Baseball Players of the Year, recognizing a season that combined elite performance with remarkable resilience.
Hemingway finished with a 1.61 ERA, striking out 65 batters while walking just 20 in 562⅔ innings, while Couch posted a 4.29 ERA with 49 strikeouts and a .337 batting average that included four homers and 33 RBIs. Both athletes overcame injuries that could have derailed their campaigns, yet they emerged as leaders who lifted their teammates.
A Pitcher and a Two-Way Threat
Kluesner, the team’s head coach, praised the duo for their work ethic, noting that their approach to the game felt “old-school” and special. “They bonded over pitching strategies and never stopped pushing each other,” he said, highlighting a chemistry that helped the team turn 36 double plays and reach the Class 4A state championship game.
The 2026 Herald-Times All-Area team also celebrated a host of other standouts, including Collin Marcum, Jake McCammon, Luke Arnett and many more who contributed to a season defined by depth and determination.
Both players have committed to continue their careers at the collegiate level — Hemingway will head to Marian University, while Couch will suit up for Columbia University — signaling the next chapter of their promising journeys.