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: Holtville Bulldogs
Head Coach: Michael Graffman
Classification & Area Number: Class 5A, Area 5
2025 Record (Finish): 15-16 (1st Round)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• OF Kelan Kimbro (2026)
• 3B/RHP Gage Nelson (2026)
• OF/RHP Madison Curry (2026)
• OF Gage Russom (2026)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF/RHP Cole Parrish (2028)
• OF/RHP Gavin Russom (2028)
• C Troy McDonald (2028)

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OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

• INF/RHP Kory Duett (2027)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Holtville enters the 2026 season looking to build off a 15-16 campaign that ended with a first-round playoff loss to Briarwood Christian, a year that showed flashes but also highlighted areas for growth. With a veteran core returning and a handful of promising young pieces ready to step into larger roles, the Bulldogs head into the spring aiming to take a step forward in Class 5A, Area 5 and turn experience into more consistent results.

The foundation of this year’s group is built around a strong senior class and several proven contributors. OF Kelan Kimbro (2026) returns as a key piece in the outfield, while 3B/RHP Gage Nelson (2026) brings two-way value that should impact games on both sides of the ball. OF/RHP Madison Curry (2026) adds another versatile option who can contribute in the lineup and on the mound, and OF Gage Russom (2026) gives Holtville another experienced bat and glove in the outfield. The Bulldogs will also look to a talented group of underclassmen to provide a spark, including INF/RHP Cole Parrish (2028), OF/RHP Gavin Russom (2028), and C Troy McDonald (2028), all of whom could be pushed into bigger roles as the season progresses. INF/RHP Kory Duett (2027) adds another experienced piece who can contribute both in the field and on the mound, helping round out a roster that blends veterans with emerging talent.

Looking ahead, Holtville’s strengths center on senior leadership and a veteran group mixed with a promising sophomore class that adds depth and upside. “This group has been through a lot the last couple months and with the strength and leadership by our seniors I believe the clubhouse is closer than ever. The team has adopted the motto ‘What’s Important Now.’ Very excited to watch this group of young men continue to work and compete day in and day out,” said head coach Michael Graffman. With chemistry, experience, and a growing group of young contributors, the Bulldogs will look to translate that foundation into a competitive 2026 season.

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Find more information on the 2026 Holtville High School program below:

+ Follow them on Facebook: Holtville High School - Bulldogs Baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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FOLLOW PREP BASEBALL ALABAMA THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball Alabama on X
+ Prep Baseball Alabama on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball Alabama on Facebook

 

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