Cole Latimer, a senior center fielder for DeKalb, was crowned the 2026 Daily Chronicle Baseball Player of the Year, a testament to a season that defied expectations.
Latimer battled injuries throughout the year, yet managed to hit .348 at the plate, launch two home runs and drive in 14 runs, numbers that helped the team exceed earlier projections.
His defensive reliability was equally striking; he committed only a single error in his entire career, underscoring his value as a cornerstone of the squad.
A Family Affair and Future Ambitions
The senior’s impact extended beyond statistics. As a unanimous all‑DuPage Valley Conference selection and a four‑year starter, he guided DeKalb to a 25‑win season, a program record, and a regional championship game appearance before falling to Huntley.
Off the field, Latimer’s father, Josh Latimer, serves as the team’s head coach, adding a familial layer to the turnaround that has reignited interest in the program.
Beyond baseball, the standout athlete will also join the football roster at Northern Illinois University in the upcoming fall, blending his athletic talents across two sports.
The recognition highlights not only personal achievement but also the broader revival of DeKalb baseball, a program that had struggled in prior years and now looks poised for continued success.