The 2026 baseball season in the Gaylord area delivered a blend of surprise upsets and dominant performances, culminating in a celebrated All‑Area team that highlighted the region’s depth of talent.
Player of the Year: Cal Royce Leads Gaylord St. Mary
Cal Royce of Gaylord St. Mary was crowned Player of the Year after a season that saw him dominate both on the mound and at the plate. He finished with a 6‑0 record, 79 strikeouts and a minuscule .063 batting average against, while also delivering a .576 average at the plate with 53 hits, including 10 doubles, five triples and four home runs.
His dual‑threat ability set the tone for a Gaylord St. Mary squad that finished the year with a strong defensive record and a respectable offensive output. Coaches praised his composure in high‑leverage situations and his willingness to lead by example.
Other Standouts from the All‑Area List
Tanner Basinski from JoBurg topped the area with 101 strikeouts despite a 1‑3 record, while Zayden Mullins contributed a .378 average and 34 hits, also catching 12 would‑be base stealers. Josias Ferrett led the Gaylord offense with a .383 average, 36 hits and 40 runs scored, and Eli Switalski added a .374 average with 34 hits and 49 runs.
Peyton Basinski’s .358 average, 14 runs and 12 RBIs helped solidify JoBurg’s lineup, while Brady Shepherd’s .379 average and 58 strikeouts highlighted Gaylord’s pitching depth. Joe Jacobson and Logan Greenier rounded out the selections with .354 average and 28 hits, and a .464 average with 32 hits and 39 RBIs respectively.
The Gaylord Herald Times covered the season’s highlights, publishing the All‑Area team and providing analysis that underscored the competitive balance across the schools. Their reporting brought local attention to the athletes’ achievements and the community’s support.