Taunton Gazette Announces 2026 Fans' Choice Baseball Player of the Year
The annual fan‑driven contest, now in its 2026 edition, invites readers to help crown the region’s top high school baseball talent. The poll will remain open until noon on Tuesday, July 28, giving the community a brief window to cast their votes before the Gazette finalizes its composite score.
While the fan vote contributes 25 percent to the final tally, the remaining weight comes from a panel of local coaches and sportswriters, ensuring a balanced perspective that reflects both on‑field performance and broader impact.
Standout Performers from the South Shore
Among the five nominees, each brings a distinct set of achievements that defined their teams’ seasons. Joey Benoit of Taunton led his squad with a .373 batting average, collecting 25 hits that included six home runs and drove in 20 runs.
Ty Strausbaugh from Bridgewater‑Raynham posted a team‑best .444 average, tallying 30 hits and scoring 21 runs, underscoring his role as a catalyst at the top of the lineup.
Cam Matthews of Bristol Aggie distinguished himself both at the plate and on the mound, batting .457 with 21 hits, 14 stolen bases and a triple, while also posting a 4.42 ERA over three starts.
Wes Palleschi, representing Bristol‑Plymouth, went 1‑4 with a 2.33 ERA, striking out 25 batters in 33 innings, highlighting his reliability as a pitcher despite a modest win‑loss record.
Cole Viveiros from Dighton‑Rehoboth combined dominance on the mound with a strong bat, posting a 1.91 ERA and 60 strikeouts across 47 ⅔ innings, while also batting .343 with 22 hits and six stolen bases.
The Gazette will publish the final vote tally and the winner’s profile in early August, celebrating the achievements of these young athletes and the communities that support them.
For those interested in following the vote or learning more about the nominees, additional details are available on the Gazette’s sports section and through its partnership with local schools.