The 2026 baseball season in the Gaylord area concluded with a wave of excitement as local teams and players turned in performances that captured the community's imagination. From dominant pitching outings to powerful hitting displays, the season offered a glimpse into the future of regional baseball.
Cal Royce Earns Top Honors
St. Mary's Cal Royce, a sophomore from Gaylord St. Mary, was crowned Player of the Year after a season that combined dominance on the mound with a potent bat. He finished with a perfect 6‑0 record, no earned runs allowed, and 79 strikeouts across ten appearances, while also hitting .576 with 53 total hits, including five doubles, five triples and four home runs.
Joining Royce in the spotlight were several other standout athletes. Tanner Basinski of JoBurg led the area with 101 strikeouts despite a 1‑3 record, while transfer catcher Zayden Mullins from Gaylord posted a .378 average with 34 hits and 25 RBIs. Josias Ferrett topped Gaylord's hitting charts with a .383 average, 36 hits and 40 runs scored.
Offensive Firepower Across the Lineup
The offensive production was equally impressive. Eli Switalski, also from Gaylord St. Mary, hit .374 with 34 hits and 49 runs scored as a shortstop, while Peyton Basinski added a .358 average and 12 RBIs. Brady Shepherd contributed a .379 average with 36 hits and eight doubles, and Joe Jacobson posted a .354 average with 28 hits and 27 RBIs. Completing the list of standout hitters, Logan Greenier batted .464 with 32 hits and 39 RBIs.
These performances not only highlighted individual excellence but also underscored the depth of talent emerging from the Gaylord region. As the season wraps up, coaches and fans alike are already looking ahead to next year, hopeful that this group of young athletes will continue to develop and bring further recognition to their schools and community.