2026 St. Cloud LIVE Baseball Starting 9 Spotlight
The 2026 St. Cloud LIVE Baseball Starting 9 celebrates the elite high school players from central Minnesota who have distinguished themselves on the diamond this season, recognizing both offensive firepower and pitching excellence.
At the center of the honor is Jack Hamak of Cathedral, who has been named Player of the Year. Hamak batted .243 while driving in 26 runs and stealing 12 bases, and he posted a 1.09 ERA on the mound. Coaches have praised his poise under pressure and his ability to impact the game both at the plate and in the field.
Another standout is Cal Heying from ROCORI, whose .400 average paired with 22 RBI and 13 stolen bases helped his team surge early. On the pitching side, his 0.71 ERA underscored his dominance, earning him accolades from teammates and rivals alike.
Mateo Segura of Sartell added a potent bat, finishing the year at .449 with 31 RBI and eight stolen bases. His consistency at the plate made him one of the most feared hitters in the league.
Jaxon Bartkowicz from Holdingford contributed a .415 average, 30 RBI and 11 stolen bases, while also delivering a 2.89 ERA as a pitcher. His dual-threat performance highlighted the all‑around talent of this year’s cohort.
Additional standouts include Ryan Liebrenz from Cathedral, who hit .438 with 24 RBI and 27 stolen bases; Jacob Oliver, also of Cathedral, who posted .424 with 18 RBI and 19 stolen bases; and Jared Laudenbach of St. Cloud Crush, who batted a scorching .493 with 20 RBI and two home runs.
Gerad Hanle of St. Cloud Crush combined a .393 average with nine RBI and 12 stolen bases, and a 1.37 ERA on the mound, while Teddy Rasmussen from Foley hit .439 with 23 RBI and three home runs. Their contributions reflect the depth of skill across the region.
Community and Future Prospects
The recognition extends beyond individual statistics, emphasizing the role of coaches, families and local programs in nurturing talent. As these players look ahead to college and beyond, the 2026 Starting 9 serves as a springboard for the next generation of Minnesota baseball.