The 2026 Eagle-Gazette baseball awards have crowned a dynamic duo as Co‑Players of the Year, highlighting the exceptional talent that defined the season across Ohio’s high school diamonds.
Brody Broeckel’s breakout season
Brody Broeckel, a senior pitcher‑outfielder from Lancaster, finished the year with a 9‑1 record and a 1.82 earned run average, while also batting .414 with a .517 on‑base percentage. He scored 24 runs and went 21‑for‑21 in stolen bases, earning OCC‑Co‑Player of the Year, first‑team all‑district and second‑team All‑Ohio honors.
Ashton Waldrop, a senior shortstop from Fairfield Union, powered his team to league, district and regional championships. He posted a .442 batting average and a .521 on‑base percentage, collecting 46 hits, 30 runs and 11 stolen bases. His all‑around performance earned him Mid‑State League‑Buckeye Division Player of the Year and first‑team All‑District recognition.
Greg Burke’s championship guidance
Coach Greg Burke of Fairfield Union was named the 2026 Eagle‑Gazette Coach of the Year after steering the Falcons to the state tournament for the first time since 1986. The team closed the season at 24‑7 and captured the Mid‑State League‑Buckeye Division title.
The awards underscore the depth of talent in the region, with the featured schools — Fairfield Union, Lancaster, Fairfield Christian Academy, Liberty Union, Amanda‑Clearcreek, Bloom‑Carroll, Berne Union and Fisher Catholic — each contributing to a competitive landscape that continues to produce standout athletes and leaders.