The 2026 All-Northern Section baseball team has been revealed, spotlighting 24 of the season’s top performers across the region.
Player of the Year: Tanner Abbott
Tanner Abbott of Gridley was crowned Player of the Year after a dominant season in which he logged 134 strikeouts over 58.2 innings and maintained a .417 batting average, underscoring his dual-threat impact on the mound and at the plate.
First‑Team Pitchers and Noteworthy Selections
Holden Franks from Pleasant Valley and Vinny Boatwright of Chico joined Abbott on the first team as pitchers, while Gunner Church and Bryton Miller of West Valley earned spots on the first and second teams respectively. Two‑way standouts Blake Schwerdt and Colton Douglas from Foothill also made the first team, highlighting the depth of talent across the section.
Coach of the Year: Nathan Stelzriede
Los Molinos coach Nathan Stelzriede received Coach of the Year honors after guiding his squad to a Division V championship, a feat that has now been commemorated by naming the award after longtime mentor Chip Carton, who amassed seven Northern Section titles during his career.
The All-Northern Section teams are chosen by a panel of area media members, ensuring that recognition reflects both on‑field performance and broader contributions to the sport. The newly christened Chip Carton award joins the J. Howell honor for softball, celebrating the lasting influence of these pioneers.
With the 2026 roster set, players and coaches alike look ahead to the upcoming season, carrying forward the legacy of excellence that has defined Northern California baseball for decades.