A Star‑Studded Lineup
The Los Angeles Times unveiled its 2026 All‑Star baseball team, a showcase of the most electrifying high school talent across Southern California. From dominant mound performances to bat‑heavy sluggers, the roster reflects a season of record‑breaking statistics and championship drives.
Right‑hander Julian Garcia headlined the rotation after a flawless outing in the Southern Section Division 1 final, throwing a one‑hit shutout with 14 strikeouts. He finished the year at 9‑1 with a 0.80 ERA, a combination of precision and poise that left batters swinging at air.
Jordan Ayala matched Garcia’s excellence on the mound, posting an 8‑2 record and a 0.74 ERA. His shutout of Orange Lutheran in the Division 1 quarterfinals underscored his ability to rise in high‑pressure moments, cementing his status as one of the region’s most reliable arms.
Utility player Logan Schmidt proved to be a two‑way force, going 9‑0 on the mound while allowing just one earned run in 60 innings. At the plate he batted over .500, delivering clutch hits that swung momentum in his team’s favor.
Catcher Carson Sheffer brought a blend of power and poise, finishing the season with a .440 average, 14 doubles and five home runs. His defensive acuity behind the plate was equally impressive, controlling the opposing offense with a steady glove and a sharp eye.
The infield was a powerhouse of talent. James Tronstein, the Mission League MVP, amassed 52 hits, a .531 batting average and 10 home runs. Dylan Seward close behind with a .436 average, 48 hits and 29 RBIs. Jack Champlin, a key piece of two consecutive Division 1 championship squads, posted a .390 average and 31 RBIs, while Trey Ebel finished at .417 with 45 hits and 47 RBIs.
Outfielders added their own fireworks. Jared Grindlinger led his club with 42 hits, including 10 doubles, and also served as an ace on the mound. Blake Bowen batted .360, launched nine home runs and stole seven bases, while Mattias Di Maggio shattered a school record with 11 home runs, batting .500 with 42 hits and nine doubles.
Beyond individual stats, the team’s depth reflects a broader culture of excellence in Southern California high school baseball. Each player’s contribution helped steer their schools to championship titles, setting a high bar for the next generation of athletes.