Hunter Elmore, a sophomore at American Christian Academy, has been selected as the 2026 Prep Baseball Alabama Player of the Year, an honor that underscores his exceptional performance on both sides of the diamond.
A Dual‑Threat at the Plate and on the Mound
At the plate he batted .508, launched 12 home runs and added 19 doubles, while his on‑base plus slugging climbed to a 1.596 OPS and a .960 slugging percentage, numbers that placed him among the most dominant hitters in the state.
On the mound, Elmore posted a 1.18 ERA and fanned 83 batters, a showing that helped anchor the team’s pitching staff throughout the season.
His contributions were pivotal in guiding American Christian Academy to the Class 5A State Finals for the second straight year, a feat that cemented his status as a cornerstone of the program.
A Historic Recognition
Elmore becomes the youngest player ever to receive the Prep Baseball Alabama Player of the Year award, joining the ranks of former Patriot standout Eric Hines, who earned the honor in 2025.
The combination of his production, consistency and competitiveness made him the clear choice for the award, a testament to his relentless work ethic and natural talent.