Edwardsville’s baseball program celebrated a historic season as two of its standout athletes were named Large‑Schools Baseball Players of the Year.
A Season of Excellence
Senior right‑hander Tony Eberlin finished the year with a perfect 9‑0 record, a 1.72 earned run average and 62 strikeouts over 61 innings, anchoring a pitching staff that helped the Tigers secure a regional championship and a third‑place finish at the state tournament.
His consistency on the mound allowed the offense to play aggressively, employing bunts, steals and other run‑manufacturing tactics without fear of a pitching collapse.
Junior third baseman and pitcher Hunter Baugh led the team at the plate, batting a team‑high .429 with 30 runs batted in, 40 hits and 35 runs scored, often batting in the coveted two‑hole that sets the stage for later innings.
Baugh’s swing evolved during the season, shifting from a top‑spinning to a back‑spinning approach that produced a surge in extra‑base hits in the second half, underscoring his adaptability under pressure.
Both players were recognized by external bodies, with Eberlin earning third‑team All‑State honors from the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association and Baugh receiving second‑team accolades from Prep Baseball Illinois, highlighting their impact beyond the local schedule.
Their performances not only cemented their individual legacies but also exemplified the depth and resilience that propelled Edwardsville to a memorable postseason run.