2026 baseball Season Preview
American Conference
Head Coach: Glenn Galang
Players to watch: Max Anzells, Sr #1, SS– Gabriel Cooch Jr, #3, 3B, RHP–Rocco Zembala, Sr #26 RHP
Season outlook: g players and younger athletes eager to comp ete for opportunities. Leadership comes from our 7 seniors. My goal as my first year as a head coach at Aurora High School is to build a culture of discipline, integrity, accoutability, respect that our school, and community can be proud of. Our philosophy is pitching and defense. On the offensive side, we will play fast and put pressure on the other team.
Head Coach: Joe Perretta
Players to watch: Javon Clayton, #3, Catcher– Jojo Porter III, #24, P/INF– Michael Banks, #11, P/3B
Season outlook: We look to put together another successful season after a solid 2025 campaign. We are a team that is led by experienced upperclassmen both at the plate and on the mound. We look to capture a conference title and make a deep run in the OHSAA playoffs.
Head Coach: Ray Fantozzi
Players to watch: Brody Petry Sr. Catcher– Alex Estaphan Jr. SS– James Waterman Sr. inf/p
Season outlook: Only 3 returning starters and 3 seniors. Very young team and inexperienced.
Head Coach: Chris Tompkins
Players to watch: Noah Kolvey ‘26, #11, (P/OF)- Braylon Davis ‘27, #24, (3B/OF)– Cayden Tompkins ‘27, #8 (C)
Season outlook: This season we are focused on the continued development of our players. The coaches and team are looking to improve our ‘24-‘25 season and competing in the suburban conference. We have 9 returning starters this year 3 Seniors, 4 Juniors and 2 Sophmores that we are looking to make an impact this season. Player development continues to be a primary focus as we head into the spring 2026 baseball season
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Head Coach: Steve Wido
Players to watch: Anden Bender, #2, Sophomore–Ty Frate, #9, INF/RHP– Chase Clifford, #27, RHP
Season outlook: Really excited for this group after a strong off season of lifting and development. The leadership of the senior class will be really important as we have plenty of new faces filling key roles. The league will be tough as always, and we look to improve as the season progresses into a playoff ready team.
Head Coach: Mike Haney Jr.
Players to watch: Teddy Maccarone #5, SS/RHP (2025 1st team All Suburban League American)– John Estep #23, IF/RHP (2025 HM All Suburban League American)– Nick Roberts #44, OF/RHP
Season outlook: We return a great core and return some players who missed significant time last season. Pitching Depth and Defense will be the key for our success.
Head Coach: Kenny Linn
Players to watch: Senior Blake Hilkert #7 P/1B– Sr Logan Miles #2 CF– Junior Troy Thomas #5
Season outlook: Devils are only returning 4 Seniors for 2026 Season. Great Opportunity for a number of young players to compete and get opportunities this year. We will have to rely on our team speed and defense to compete each game while we let the players settle in to new starting roles this year
National Conference
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Head Coach: Buddy Dice
Players to watch: Xavier Pallo (Junior, 16, SS/RHP)– Connor Eich (Sr., 2, RHP)– Chase Dennison (Sr., 3, RHP. OF
Season outlook: Hudson returns several key players from 2025 League Championship team. Very athletic group overall with several players competing for innings at various positions.
Head Coach: Patrick Ritley
Players to watch: Dominik Canzoni (Senior, 16, SS/P)– Michael Wolff (Senior, 17, OF/P)– Andrew McClelland (Senior, 8, 1B)
Season outlook: The Knights return several experienced starters from last year’s team. Strong group of seniors and newcomers that are excited to compete.
Head Coach: Matt Stricker
Players to watch: Antonio Escano Senior P/3B– Nolan Klingbeil Junior P/1B– Jackson Cavanaugh Senior MIF
Season outlook: This team is excited to get the season started. We have a very hungry group of players that are ready to compete.
Head Coach: Tommy Carosielli
Players to watch: Gavin Dunmire, Sr, 7, P/C– Brody Cowan, Jr, 3, P– Henry Fritz, Jr, 10, P
Season outlook: We are a group with some experience, with 5 three-year starters returning. We bring back our top 4 arms. Any time you do that, you have a chance to compete. This league is a dog fight every time you match up, so we have to be ready to go every day. We’re excited for the challenge, and look to turn the corner in 2026.
Head Coach: Lincoln Hackim
Players to watch: Caden Boyd, 2027 ,catcher– Kyle Boozer, 2027, 3B,P– Jake Harrington, 2026, SS
Season outlook: 7 of 9 returning Varsity players and 3 returners on the mound we hope to complete in a stong talented league. A new culture and baseball first attitude combined with character and respect we hope to have stong season.
Head Coach: Jim Lipinski
Players to watch: Nathan Kimmel, Jr, #4, LHP-Kent State Commit– Cole Kramer, Sr, #5, OF/C-Mount Union Commit– JD Okuma, Sr. #15, OF
Season outlook: Heading into this season, there’s a lot of excitement around our program because of the culture we’ve continued to build. With six starters returning in the field and four pitchers who have varsity experience, we have a solid group of leaders who understand the standard and expectations. At the same time, we have some very skilled players who are finally getting their opportunity, and that has brought a lot of energy and competitiveness to our team. Everyone has bought into their role, and there’s a strong sense of accountability and togetherness. Our focus is on trusting one another, playing the game the right way, and competing as a team every time we take the field.
Head Coach: Greg Pickard
Players to watch: Ryan Stoops (Sr., CF)– Lucas Cowen (Sr. P/1B)– Jason Copeland (Jr. , 3B)
Season outlook: We will have a nice mix of new comers and Letterman on the varsity roster this year. We will lean on the leadership or our Seniors and expect to be a very competitive team.
