Press Democrat Unveils 2026 All‑Press Baseball Teams
The Press Democrat has released its 2026 All‑Press Baseball teams, a tribute to the most outstanding high school players in the North Bay. The announcement celebrates not only individual excellence but also the depth of competition that has defined the region’s baseball season.
Adam Mercado from Casa Grande stood out enough to be crowned Player of the Year, a recognition that reflects his impact both at the plate and in the field. Meanwhile, Kalvin Okamura of Petaluma earned Pitcher of the Year after a dominant pitching campaign that left batters scrambling.
The list of finalists reads like a who’s who of the area’s best, with Hunter Thomas from Analy and Jamie Vozaitis from Cardinal Newman among those who narrowly missed the top honor. Their performances have kept coaches and teammates watching closely as the season unfolded.
First‑team pitchers include Mark Douglas of Cardinal Newman, Miles Nicholas and Gavin Restad from Windsor, AJ Rakoski from Windsor, and Kalvin Okamura himself. Their combined records illustrate why the North Bay is producing some of the most reliable arms in the state.
Catchers on the first team — Cal Levar, Cayden Waldrop and Franco Bernardini — bring a mix of power and poise, while the infield corps features names such as Colin Bone, Jace Wooley and Braeden Butler, each contributing to a balanced lineup.
Outfielders like Hunter Thomas, Kyle Russell and Hayden Mariani round out the first team, showcasing speed and clutch hitting that have defined many of the season’s biggest moments.
The second team continues the depth narrative, with pitchers Alex Mauros Manos, Griffin Messenger and Max Trexler joining the ranks, alongside catchers Jacob Wood and Mason Rizo. Their inclusion underscores the competitive spirit that permeates the league.
Infielders and outfielders on the second team, from Donnie Rinkor to Cillian Shannon, reflect the diverse talent spread across schools such as Healdsburg, Rancho Cotate and Vintage. The breadth of representation highlights a healthy ecosystem where multiple programs can claim standout athletes.
Honorable mentions span a wide array of schools — from American Canyon to St. Helena — signaling that the conversation about who deserves recognition will continue well beyond the initial selections.