The Alabama Sports Writers Association has unveiled its 2026 all‑state baseball squad, a roster that captures the breadth of talent flourishing across the state's high school diamonds. From the largest schools to the smallest, the selections spotlight not only the players who have turned heads with their performances but also the mentors who have guided them to excellence.
Player and Coach Honors Across the State
This year's roster is a tapestry of achievements, weaving together players of the year, pitchers of the year, hitters of the year and coaches of the year from each classification. The recognition reflects a season in which every corner of Alabama's baseball landscape produced moments worth remembering.
Class 7A Leaders
In Class 7A, Will Adams of Hoover was crowned player of the year after a season that blended power and precision, while Jace Riggan from Hewitt‑Trussville earned pitcher of the year honors with a commanding presence on the mound. Kamrin Jenkins of Bob Jones added his name to the list of top hitters, and Jeff Mauldin of Hewitt‑Trussville was celebrated as the class's coach of the year, underscoring the depth of leadership that helped shape these standout performances.
Class 6A and Below Highlights
Class 6A saw Asher Doepel from Hartselle named player of the year, complemented by Evan Malone of Northridge's pitcher of the year award and Jonah Inman from Cullman's hitter of the year distinction. Will Smith of Spain Park rounded out the class's coaching excellence. The recognition continued into Class 5A, where Hunter Elmore from American Christian was honored as player of the year, Christian Freeman from Faith‑Mobile earned pitcher of the year, and Levi Martin from Sardis claimed hitter of the year. Coaches Chris Heaps from Briarwood and Ricky Ray Clayton from Westbrook Christian were also acknowledged for their guidance.
Lower Classes and the AISA
The momentum carried into Classes 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A, where athletes such as Garrett Reid from Deshler, Emmett Daniel from Westbrook Christian, Gavin Lang from Collinsville and Cooper Favors from Glenwood were celebrated for their respective achievements. In the AISA, Boston Brown from Lakeside, Brayden Hennigan from Southern Academy and JB Upton from Lakeside received top honors, while Justin Chandler from Edgewood was named coach of the year. Each name on the list represents a story of dedication, skill and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines high school baseball in Alabama.