The 2026 New Jersey high school baseball season has drawn to a close, leaving behind a slate of memorable performances and a lively fan vote for the state’s Player of the Year.
Voting, which will remain open until July 5, pits a handful of standout athletes against each other, each of whom posted statistically dominant seasons that helped shape the narrative of high school baseball across the Garden State.
Rising Stars of the Garden State
Alex Weingartner of St. Augustine emerged as an offensive powerhouse, batting .512 while driving in 32 runs and launching six home runs.
Selden Kolkebeck, representing NV-Old Tappan, anchored his team’s defense en route to a Group 2 state championship, showcasing both leadership and consistency.
Mickey Gilligan from Passaic County Tech topped the state’s home run leaderboard with 13 round-trippers, a feat that underscored his slugging prowess.
Randis Rosario, also of Passaic County Tech, combined a .490 average with 47 hits and 48 RBIs, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Other notable contributors included Brayden Fry of Cranford, who helped his squad capture the North 2 Group 3 title, and Jordan Burwell from Seton Hall Prep, who posted a .488 average with 41 hits and 42 RBIs.
Pitchers such as Mason Rosenberg of Bishop Eustace Prep (eight wins, 0.42 ERA) and Lizandro Perez of Rutgers Prep (1.49 ERA, 102 strikeouts in 47 innings) highlighted the depth of talent on the mound.
The defensive excellence of Zack Hahn from Gloucester County Tech (5-2, 1.55 ERA) and Jude Morgan of Gloucester Catholic, who led his team to a fourth straight Non-Public B championship, further enriched the season’s story.
Braeden Lipoff, another key figure from Gloucester Catholic, batted .459 with 45 hits and 40 RBIs, rounding out a roster of players who have become synonymous with excellence in New Jersey high school baseball.
As the voting period draws to a close, fans are encouraged to cast their ballots for the athlete they believe best embodies the spirit and skill of this year’s competition, ensuring that the accolade reflects the community’s voice.