ALABAMA - With so many worthy candidates emerging from across the state, selecting just one standout for the 2025 Prep Baseball Alabama Player of the Year was no easy task. The state of Alabama once again proved to be a hotbed for elite-level talent and championship-caliber teams throughout the spring. But in the end, our staff was forced to make a decision between numerous worthy candidates. For his outstanding senior campaign and instrumental role in leading his team to a state title, Eric Hines of American Christian Academy has been named the 2025 Prep Baseball Alabama Player of the Year.

Eric Hines Named 2025 Prep Baseball Alabama Player of the Year

An Alabama signee and the No. 3 overall prospect in the state’s 2025 class, Hines was a force all season long for the Patriots. The physical right-handed hitter posted jaw-dropping numbers at the plate, finishing the year 63-for-144 (.438) with 20 home runs, 12 doubles, a triple, 58 RBIs, and 66 runs scored. He walked 32 times, stole 25 bases, and reached base at a .557 clip while slugging .951, good for a staggering 1.508 OPS. Hines’ performance wasn’t just about the stats—he delivered in big moments and helped lead American Christian to a 35-14 overall record and the 2025 AHSAA Class 5A State Championship, the program’s sixth in school history, defeating a talented St. Paul’s Episcopal squad in a hard-fought three-game series. His 20th home run of his senior season was arguably his most impressive — a no-doubt shot launched into the trees beyond left field at Rudy Abbott Field at Jacksonville State University during Game 2 of the series, helping force a decisive Game 3.

On top of his senior season accolades, Hines also represented Alabama on a national stage at the prestigious 2025 Prep Baseball Super 60, showcasing his MLB Draft potential among the country’s top high school prospects.

American Christian head coach Del Howell has coached his share of next-level talent during his time with the Patriots, and Eric Hines is the latest in that line. A former five-year starter and three-time state champion at American Christian himself in the early 2000s, Howell spoke highly of Hines and the impact he’s had on the program.

“Eric is so deserving of this award,” Howell said. “It’s so exciting to see a player like Eric put in the work and see it pay off. He has set an excellent example in our program of what hard work, dedication, and good character look like. I’m looking forward to watching him grow as a person and player at the next level; I know he will do well.”

Past Prep Baseball Alabama POTY

Hines adds his name to an elite group of players who have earned the Prep Baseball Alabama Player of the Year honor, joining past recipients like Gunnar Henderson (2019), now one of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars with the Baltimore Orioles.

• OF Eric Hines (American Christian, 2025)
• 3B/RHP Braden Booth (Bob Jones, 2024)
• OF Coleman Mizell (Hartselle, 2023)
• RHP Riley Quick (Hewitt-Trussville, 2022)
• LHP Maddux Bruns (UMS-Wright Prep, 2021)
• SS Gunnar Henderson (Morgan Academy, 2019)
• LHP Garrett Wade (Hartselle, 2018)

---

2025 SUMMER SCHEDULE ⤵️

We’re excited to announce that our 2025 summer event schedule is now live! This year, we’re traveling to all parts of Alabama, giving players across the state the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills. Don’t miss your chance to get signed up — CLICK HERE for more details or to register! 

 

+ Click HERE to create a free profile.
+ Click HERE to purchase a subscription which gives you access to additional information on the site. 

  

Related Content: