Federal League honors shine
Jack Andes, a senior at Hoover High School, has been crowned the 2026 Federal League Baseball Player of the Year, a title that caps a remarkable season in which he also earned football player of the year honors.
His performance on the diamond set new career benchmarks in steals, runs, triples and saves, and his contributions helped the team capture a shared league championship.
Landon Thiel from Jackson was recognized as Pitcher of the Year after posting a 6‑0 record and a 0.95 ERA, and the right‑hander is also a top MLB Draft prospect headed to Ohio State.
Bryan Ashby, the Hoover coach, added another accolade by being named Federal League Coach of the Year for the third time in six years, guiding his squad to its first state semifinal appearance since 1999.
Andes becomes the first athlete since Dillon Dingler in 2016‑17 to win both baseball and football player of the year in the league, underscoring the rarity of his dual‑sport achievement.
The 2026 All‑Federal League baseball team features several standout performers, with Andes and Thiel among the key members highlighted for their impact.