All‑Metro Baseball Team Honors Local Stars
The Dispatch’s All‑Metro baseball team showcases the region’s most dominant high school players, recognizing those who excelled during the 2025 season across central Ohio. The selections were announced at the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards, where the community gathered to celebrate athletic achievement and leadership on the diamond.
Reid Hemrick of Olentangy Orange stood out as the overall Baseball Athlete of the Year, capping a season that saw him dominate both at the plate and in the field. His consistent performance helped Olentangy Orange secure a deep playoff run and earned him the prestigious honor.
Blake Bogenrife from West Jefferson added another layer of excitement to the awards, batting .360 with 24 RBIs and 27 stolen bases. His speed and clutch hitting earned him Division VI district and Ohio Heritage Conference Player of the Year, underscoring his impact on his team’s success.
Rocco Bucci of Olentangy proved equally formidable, posting a 5‑2 record with a 1.48 ERA and claiming OCC‑Cardinal Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Bryson Gittins of New Albany went 10‑0 with a 0.86 ERA, was named first‑team all‑state, and helped his squad capture a state championship.
The coaching staff also received well‑deserved recognition, as Mike Sandman of New Albany was crowned Coach of the Year after guiding his team to a state title. His strategic acumen and ability to develop talent were cited as key factors in the team’s remarkable turnaround.
Other notable honorees included Colby Luling, who batted .451 with 30 RBIs and earned first‑team all‑state honors, and Drew Walti from Dublin Coffman, who posted a .489 average with 25 RBIs and was similarly lauded. The breadth of talent across the region was evident in the diverse array of awards handed out.
The ceremony also highlighted the geographic spread of excellence, with standout performances coming from schools in Columbus, Upper Arlington, West Jefferson, New Albany, and beyond. This regional depth bodes well for the future of Ohio high school baseball, promising continued competitiveness on the state stage.
Fans and athletes alike can look forward to next season with optimism, as the celebrated players and coaches continue to build on their achievements. The All‑Metro selections not only honor past success but also set the stage for new stories of triumph to unfold.