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: Pike Liberal Arts Patriots
Head Coach: Will Austin
Classification & Area Number: Class 2A, Area 5
2025 Record (Finish): 22-17 (Class 2A State Runner Up)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• C Jack Baggett (2026)
• UTL Jackson Bowen (2027)
• INF Cole Garrott (2027)
• RHP/UTL Braden Shirley (2027)
• RHP/INF Charlie Fountain (2027)
• INF/RHP Garrett Whitaker (2027)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Pike Liberal Arts enters the 2026 season coming off a historic 22-17 campaign that ended with a Class 2A State Runner-Up finish, falling to Vincent in the championship series. Along the way, the Patriots captured the 2A Area 5 title and made a deep postseason run, further solidifying the program as a consistent contender at the state level. With a large portion of that roster returning, Pike Liberal Arts heads into 2026 with expectations of remaining firmly in the championship conversation.

The Patriots return a strong core of contributors who gained valuable experience throughout last year’s postseason run. Behind the plate, C Jack Baggett (2026) returns as a key piece who handled significant responsibilities during the state runner-up season. Versatility is a major strength of this group, led by UTL Jackson Bowen (2027), who provides flexibility across the field and depth in the lineup. In the infield, INF Cole Garrott (2027) returns as a steady presence, while INF/RHP Garrett Whitaker (2027) adds value as a two-way option. On the mound, Pike Liberal Arts brings back multiple arms capable of logging meaningful innings. RHP/UTL Braden Shirley (2027) and RHP/INF Charlie Fountain (2027) both are returning key arms, giving the Patriots experienced pitching depth that can be mixed and matched throughout the season.

Experience and versatility define Pike Liberal Arts’ outlook entering 2026. With much of the roster that helped deliver a state runner-up finish returning, the Patriots are positioned to lean on postseason-tested players across the lineup and pitching staff. As they look ahead to the new season, Pike Liberal Arts will aim to build on last year’s success and remain a factor deep into the postseason once again in Class 2A.

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Find more information on the 2026 Pike Liberal Arts School program below:

+ Follow them on X or Facebook: @BaseballPike | Pike Liberal Arts 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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