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2026 Springville Tigers Team Preview

December 17, 2025
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: Springville Tigers
Head Coach: Jonathan Ford
Classification & Area Number: Class 5A Area 12
2025 Record (Finish): 29-7 (Sweet 16)

 

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

1B Grant Martinez (7/31/25)

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

  • UTL Trigg Murdoch (2028)
  • RHP Brayden Beard (2028)

OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

1B Matthew Murray (8/17/25)

TEAM OUTLOOK

Springville enters the 2026 season looking to reload after an outstanding 2025 campaign that saw the Tigers finish 29-7, spend much of the spring ranked No. 1, and reach the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. Despite losing eight seniors, many of whom were three-year starters, Springville’s recent success has set a high standard, and the program now turns to a mix of proven returning contributors and hungry new faces ready to step into larger roles. With competition set to define both the lineup and pitching staff, the Tigers head into 2026 intent on sustaining their winning identity in 5A Area 12.

The offense will be built around a trio of returning starters who provide experience and impact at premium spots. 1B/RHP Grant Martinez (2026) returns as the centerpiece of the lineup, offering big-time power in the middle of the order while also contributing valuable innings on the mound. SS/RHP Ryan King (2026) gives Springville a steady presence up the middle, combining a live arm with a disciplined offensive approach that makes him a tough out every time through the lineup. OF/RHP Charlie Hare (2027) rounds out the core after emerging as a reliable defender with strong instincts and an above-average arm, and he’s expected to help shoulder more offensive responsibility in 2026. INF Luke Hale (2026) gained meaningful varsity experience a season ago and is one of several players positioned to compete for everyday roles as the Tigers reshape their lineup. On the mound, Springville returns a group with flexibility and depth despite the departure of several senior arms. King (2026) and Martinez (2026) headline the staff as experienced options capable of setting the tone, while a talented junior class, including C/RHP Cooper Dorsett (2027), SS/RHP Hunter Fulmer (2027), 1B/LHP Matthew Murray (2027), and Hare (2027), provides multiple looks and matchup possibilities throughout the week. Additional innings could come from seniors INF/RHP Caysen Reyer (2026) and INF/RHP Alex Ford (2026), giving the Tigers options as roles continue to take shape early in the season. Underclass talent adds another layer of intrigue to Springville’s 2026 outlook. UTL Trigg Murdoch (2028) brings top-end speed that can immediately impact games, whether on the bases, in the field, or as a pressure element in the lineup. RHP Brayden Beard (2028) is another name to watch as a potential innings-eater on the mound as the season progresses. With competition expected across the roster, these younger pieces could carve out meaningful roles.

After losing a senior-heavy group, Springville enters 2026 with opportunity defining much of the season. As head coach Jonathan Ford notes, “Losing eight seniors from last year’s team, many of which started for three years, opens the door for new guys to step up. We have some guys that are hungry and ready to show what they can do.” With an established culture of winning, experienced leadership at key positions, and a roster eager to prove itself, the Tigers look positioned to remain competitive and continue their recent success in Class 5A.

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

+ Follow them on Facebook: SHS Baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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