The 2023 baseball season in Calhoun County proved to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, as high school teams across the region battled for playoff positioning and individual accolades.
Player of the Year: Rocco Maniscalco
Rocco Maniscalco of Oxford capped his senior year with a .330 batting average, a .506 on‑base percentage and a .606 slugging percentage, while also launching four home runs and driving in 39 runs. He drew 41 walks and stole 45 bases in 47 attempts, showcasing both power and speed.
Coach of the Year: Zac Welch
Zac Welch, who leads the Alexandria Valley Cubs, guided his squad to a 27‑12 record and a berth in the Class 4A quarterfinals, underscoring the program’s steady rise under his direction.
Player of the Year: Cole Austin
Cole Austin from Piedmont not only batted .379 with a .513 on‑base percentage and 15 doubles, but also excelled on the mound, finishing 11‑1 with a 2.44 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 77 ⅓ innings.
Coach of the Year: Dalton Turner
Dalton Turner’s Pleasant Valley Raiders broke new ground, advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2017, a milestone that underscored his impact in just his second season.
Together, these honorees illustrate how individual brilliance and strong leadership continue to shape the competitive landscape of Calhoun County baseball, setting the stage for another promising year ahead.