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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Oak Mountain’s Matthew Heiberger (22) catches a fly ball in a game against Shelby County during the Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament at the Hoover Met Complex on Friday, March 31, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park’s Cole Edwards (4) makes contact during an at-bat in an area game against Hewitt-Trussville at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Briarwood’s Jake Souders (15) pitches in a game against Spain Park at Spain Park High School on Friday, March 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Brett Moseley (1) dives back to first base as Spain Park’s Cole Edwards (4) catches the pick-off throw in an area game at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills head coach Jamie Harris fist-bumps Vestavia Hills’ Grant Downey (14) at first base during game one of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Choccolocco Park in Oxford on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. The Rebels defeated the Red Devils 5-4. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Briarwood’s Brady Waugh (7) heads to third in a game against Spain Park at Spain Park High School on Friday, March 24, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Mountain Brook’s John Robicheaux (2) makes a throw to first for an out during round one of the Class 6A playoffs against Buckhorn at Mountain Brook High School on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills’ John Paul Head (13) makes the throw to first base during game one of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Choccolocco Park in Oxford on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. The Rebels defeated the Red Devils 5-4. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Homewood’s Levi Nickoli (17) pitches in an area game against Mountain Brook at Mountain Brook High School on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park’s Matthew Widra (3) hits a homer in an area game against Hewitt-Trussville at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Kurt Kizer (13) moves to tag Spain Park’s Cole Edwards (4) out at second base on an attempted steal during an area game at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Mountain Brook’s John Robicheaux (2) swings at a pitch in an area game against Homewood at Mountain Brook High School on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hoover’s Mason Blasche (18) swings at a pitch in an area game against Vestavia Hills at Sammy Dunn Field on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park’s CJ Gross (9) pitches in a game against Hewitt-Trussville at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Mountain Brook’s Charlie Berryman (8) heads for home plate on an infield homer during round one of the Class 6A playoffs against Buckhorn at Mountain Brook High School on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills’ Jable Ramey (11) pitches during game two of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills’ Jackson Harris (6) catches a pick-off throw from Vestavia Hills’ Aiden Black (1) during game one of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Choccolocco Park in Oxford on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. The Rebels defeated the Red Devils 5-4. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills’ Christopher Johnston (3) hits a double during game three of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The Rebels defeated Central-Phenix City 4-1 to claim the school’s first state title since 2000. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Grayson Pope (3) catches a fly ball in an area game against Spain Park at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills’ Hudson Walburn (15) makes the throw to first base during game two of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Chelsea’s Chris McNeill (25) in a game against Mountain Brook on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park’s Evan Smallwood (7) fields a bunt as he makes a throw to first in a game against Hewitt-Trussville at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Homewood’s Tripp Gann (27) heads for home plate to score for the Patriots in an area game against Mountain Brook at Mountain Brook High School on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
John Carroll’s Gabe Wilbur (27) steps up to the plate in a game against Wenonah at John Carroll Catholic High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills’ Ryan Vermillion (8) pitches during game three of the Class 7A AHSAA state baseball series at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The Rebels defeated Central-Phenix City 4-1 to claim the school’s first state title since 2000. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Oak Mountain’s Nick McCord (1) makes a throw to first base to record an out in a game against Shelby County during the Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament at the Hoover Met Complex on Friday, March 31, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park’s Jacob Tobias (20) makes contact in an area game against Hewitt-Trussville at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Oak Mountain’s Nick McCord (1) catches a fly ball in a game against the Rebels at Oak Mountain High School on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
John Carroll’s Noah Smith (25) steps up to the plate in a game against Wenonah at John Carroll Catholic High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hoover’s RJ Hamilton (8) catches a fly ball in a game against Houston High School (Tenn.) in the 2023 Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hoover’s Colin Rengering (4) makes the throw to first to record an out in a game against Houston High School (Tenn.) in the 2023 Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Oak Mountain’s Brooks Braswell (13) swings at a pitch in a game against the Rebels at Oak Mountain High School on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Mountain Brook’s Caleb Barnett (9) pitches during round one of the Class 6A playoffs against Buckhorn at Mountain Brook High School on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hoover’s Will Lawrence (26) smiles and gives a double thumbs up after hitting a double in an area game against Vestavia Hills at Sammy Dunn Field on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Homewood’s Jackson Parris (5) pitches in an area game against Mountain Brook at Mountain Brook High School on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Mountain Brook’s Gabe Young (3) throws the ball in from right field during round one of the Class 6A playoffs against Buckhorn at Mountain Brook High School on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Will Argo (32) pitches in an area game against Spain Park at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
John Carroll’s Braxton Williams (20) pitches in a game against Wenonah at John Carroll Catholic High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park’s JR Thompson (14) catches a fly ball in center field in an area game against Hewitt-Trussville at Phil English Field in Trussville on Friday, April 14, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Chelsea’s Logan Moller (3) makes the throw to first to record an out in a game against Florence during the Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament at the Hoover Met Complex on Friday, March 31, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
The 2023 high school baseball season was a riveting one. Vestavia Hills won its first state championship in over 20 years, and several teams throughout the area had great seasons.
Here is this year’s version of the All-South Metro Baseball Team, put together by Starnes Media. Jackson Harris of Vestavia Hills and Cole Edwards of Spain Park share the Player of the Year and Hitter of the Year honors, after both had stellar senior campaigns.
Oak Mountain’s Matthew Heiberger is the Pitcher of the Year, as he was one of the toughest arms to face in the state. The University of Alabama signee allowed nine earned runs all year and posted a 1.63 earned run average.
Vestavia Hills’ Jamie Harris is the Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season after leading the Rebels to the Class 7A state title.
Players & Hitters of the Year: Jackson Harris, Vestavia Hills, and Cole Edwards, Spain Park
Pitcher of the Year: Matthew Heiberger, Oak Mountain
Coach of the Year: Jamie Harris, Vestavia Hills
1ST TEAM
Pitcher: Levi Nickoli, Homewood; put together a stellar freshman campaign, allowing a single earned run over 21 1/3 innings pitched.
Pitcher: Jable Ramey, Vestavia Hills; the senior put together a 7-1 record with a 1.72 ERA for the state champs.
Pitcher: Matthew Heiberger, Oak Mountain; the Pitcher of the Year had a 1.63 ERA and struck out 68 batters in 38 2/3 innings.
Pitcher: CJ Gross, Spain Park; racked up an area-high 10 wins on the year.
Catcher: Clay Spencer, Spain Park; finished the year with 33 RBIs.
First base: Cole Edwards, Spain Park; the Auburn signee capped off his career by hitting six homers with 48 RBIs.
Second base: Kurt Kizer, Hewitt-Trussville; hit .378 and drove in 34 runs for the Huskies.
Third base: John Paul Head, Vestavia Hills; drove in 34 runs for the Rebels.
Shortstop: James Graphos, Mountain Brook; the Spartans’ top middle infielder racked up 43 hits and stole 21 bases.
Infield: Jackson Harris, Vestavia Hills; the Samford signee hit .430 with an on-base percentage of .554. He hit five home runs and drove in 35 runs as well.
Infield: Jake Souders, Briarwood; finished with a .437 average, four homers and 37 RBIs.
Outfield: Matthew Widra, Spain Park; had a big year for the Jags, hitting .414 with an on-base percentage of .513.
Outfield: Grayson Pope, Hewitt-Trussville; one of the Huskies’ top hitters, reaching base at a .460 clip.
Outfield: Charlie Berryman, Mountain Brook; led the Spartans with six homers.
Designated hitter: Christopher Johnston, Vestavia Hills; slugged six homers and knocked in 38 runs for the state champs.
Designated hitter: Brady Waugh, Briarwood; slugged five homers and posted 38 RBIs.
Utility: John Robicheaux, Mountain Brook; did a little bit of everything for the Spartans, reaching base in nearly half of his at-bats.
Utility: Mason Blasche, Hoover; knocked in 33 runs to lead the Bucs’ offense.
2ND TEAM
Pitcher: Kenneth Diddell, Mountain Brook; led the area with six saves and put forth a 1.14 ERA.
Pitcher: Lucas Thornton, Spain Park; went 6-1 with a 1.51 ERA to bolster the Jags’ pitching staff.
Pitcher: Ryan Vermillion, Vestavia Hills; saved his best for the postseason, notching key wins and saves throughout the playoffs. He went 5-0 with four saves on the year.
Pitcher: Drake Meeks, Briarwood; went 6-1 with 2.12 ERA for the Lions.
Catcher: Hudson Walburn, Vestavia Hills; slugged six homers and knocked in 33 runs.
First base: Tripp Gann, Homewood; hit .415, piled up 39 hits and knocked in 23 runs.
Second base: RJ Hamilton, Hoover; hit .330 and stole 25 bases for the Bucs.
Third base: Evan Smallwood, Spain Park; had an on-base percentage of .472 and stole 18 bases on the year.
Shortstop: Nick McCord, Oak Mountain; hit .340, stole 16 bases and pitched some for the Eagles.
Infield: Gabe Wilbur, John Carroll; led the area with a .439 average.
Infield: Noah Smith, John Carroll; hit for a .418 average and drove in 26 runs.
Outfield: Will Clark, Briarwood; drove in 34 runs for the Lions.
Outfield: Brett Moseley, Hewitt-Trussville; stole 21 bases without being caught and posted a .327 average.
Outfield: Chris McNeill, Chelsea; finished with an on-base percentage of .500.
Designated hitter: Jackson Morgan, Chelsea; one of the top sluggers in the area with seven home runs.
Designated hitter: Jacob Tobias, Spain Park; drove in 27 runs for the Jags.
Utility: Colin Rengering, Hoover; hit .320 and logged innings on the mound for the Bucs.
Utility: Jack Ross, Homewood; hit .337 and drove in 23 runs while also logging some innings on the mound.
HONORABLE MENTION
Pitcher: Will Adams, Hoover; Braxton Williams, John Carroll; Kevin Jasinski, Oak Mountain; Colby Durden, Hewitt-Trussville; Logan Moller, Chelsea; Aiden Black, Vestavia Hills; Will Argo, Hewitt-Trussville; JR Thompson, Spain Park; Caleb Barnett, Mountain Brook.
Catcher: Will Lawrence, Hoover; Peyton Parkinson, Oak Mountain.
Infield: Jackson Parris, Homewood; Jackson Miller, John Carroll.
Outfield: Jack Ollis, Hewitt-Trussville; Gabe Young, Mountain Brook; Josh Hart, Oak Mountain.
Designated hitter: Brooks Braswell, Oak Mountain.
