Foothills Baseball Spotlight
As the high school baseball season enters its postseason phase across Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, the excitement is palpable.
The Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star have opened a fan vote to crown the region’s best player, with the contest running until midnight on May 17.
The competition showcases a blend of power hitting and dominant pitching, reflecting the depth of talent in the Foothills area.
Standout Hitters
Several batters are posting eye‑catching numbers, including a .528 average from Luke Rayfield of Crest, who also smashed seven home runs and drove in 41 runs, while Zane Dodd of East Gaston boasts a .462 average and a .500 on‑base percentage.
Brock Bumgardner of Cherryville combines a .438 average with 44 RBIs, and A.J. McClain of Ashbrook maintains a .484 average with six doubles and 21 RBIs.
Pitching Prowess
On the mound, Josh Beam of East Lincoln stands out with a 7‑0 record and a 0.66 ERA, while Cooper Summerlin from North Lincoln posts a perfect 6‑0 record with a 1.10 ERA and 61 strikeouts.
The poll not only celebrates individual achievement but also fuels future aspirations, as many of these athletes eye college scholarships and beyond.