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2026 Gardendale Rockets Team Preview

January 13, 2026
Austin Sharp
Alabama Scouting Director

The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Alabama.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the Jacksonville/Oxford/Montgomery area at the AISA or AHSAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason top-10 rankings in each AHSAA classification.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week, updating the top-10 ranks in each AHSAA classification, as well updating our Power 25 overall rankings. One thing, especially, you don’t want to miss are our scheduled podcasts with guests from across the state, as well as the recaps and previews of the big games we’re covering.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

High School: Gardendale Rockets
Head Coach: Ryan Keedy
Classification & Area Number: Class 6A, Area 12
2025 Record (Finish): 26-11 (Final 4)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

  • UTL Caleb Banks (Central Alabama CC, 2026)
  • RHP/C Parker Robinson (2026)
  • RHP Austin Webb (Central Alabama CC, 2026)

UTL Caleb Banks (7/9/25)

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

1B Parker Banks (5/19/24)

TEAM OUTLOOK

Gardendale enters the 2026 season coming off a landmark 26-11 campaign that ended with a Final Four appearance, the program’s first trip to the semifinals since 2000. While five seniors from that group have moved on to play college baseball, the Rockets return a roster that is still veteran-heavy, featuring 10 seniors and 10 juniors, even as many players step into expanded roles. With a strong defensive foundation and experienced arms returning, Gardendale looks to build on last season’s historic run in Class 6A Area 12.

The Rockets’ lineup is anchored by UTL Caleb Banks (Central Alabama CC, 2026), the lone returning everyday starter from 2025. Banks appeared in 37 games, posting a .270 average, .398 OBP, four doubles, 16 RBIs, 23 runs scored, 20 walks, and six stolen bases. Expected to handle shortstop in 2026, Banks provides leadership, versatility, and a reliable offensive presence. At first base, 1B Parker Banks (2026) returns after productive limited opportunities a season ago, including multiple home runs, and is expected to handle a larger role this spring. On the mound, Gardendale returns multiple arms with postseason experience. RHP/C Parker Robinson (2026) finished 2025 as the Rockets’ Game 1 playoff starter, making four postseason starts and logging 23 innings, allowing six earned runs with two shutouts, including an eight-inning shutout in the quarterfinals against Mountain Brook. Overall, Robinson threw 46.1 innings, posted a 2.26 ERA, and struck out 38 batters, while also factoring in behind the plate. RHP Austin Webb (Central Alabama CC, 2026) served as Gardendale’s Game 3 playoff starter and logged 47 innings, allowing 13 earned runs with 42 strikeouts and a 1.93 ERA, giving the Rockets another proven senior arm to anchor the staff. Additional senior depth strengthens both the lineup and pitching rotation. LHP Connor Hoover (2026) returns after multiple appearances in 2025 and provides a left-handed option, while UTL Gunner Wyatt (2026) and RHP/OF Tripp Green (2026) add versatility and innings depth as roles continue to take shape. RHP/OF Tripp Green (2026) brings strike-throwing ability and is expected to contribute multiple innings when called upon. The junior class adds further flexibility. C/RHP Cam Roberts (2027) returns after serving as a multi-position contributor and is expected to hit in the middle of the order while also seeing time at catcher and on the mound. UTL Josh Bailey (2027) provides additional strength and versatility across the infield and outfield. Underclass depth is highlighted by RHP Cannon Combs (2029), who joined the varsity roster during the 2025 playoffs and gained early varsity exposure. Combs is expected to contribute innings in 2026 as he continues to develop.

Defense and maturity define Gardendale’s identity entering 2026. While the Rockets will feature many new faces in expanded roles, the roster is far from inexperienced. As head coach Ryan Keedy noted, “The Rockets will be very ‘new’ this year. We have a hard-working group of kids that have played behind an incredible group that graduated this past season. Now, a lot of guys will have the opportunity to step up. We only return one everyday starter, so it will be exciting to see how the guys respond and perform in their new roles.” With proven arms, senior leadership, and opportunity across the roster, Gardendale enters the 2026 season aiming to remain competitive and build off last year’s historic postseason run.

Find more information on the 2026 Gardendale program below:

+ Follow them on X or Facebook: @GdaleHSBaseball | GHS Rockets Baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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