The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement is building throughout Iowa. 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 Iowa.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Carroll or Cedar Rapids at the IHSAA 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A State Tournaments, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to shine a spotlight on all teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Iowa.

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 Diamond Notes, covering all the bases across the state of Iowa.

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Coon Rapids-Bayard Crusaders

High School: Coon Rapids-Bayard
Head Coach: John Waddle
Class: Class 1A
2025 Record (Finish): 25-4 (District Semifinal)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

+ Cal Heydon - Iowa Western CC commit

+ Ty Heydon

+ Caden Oswald

+ Mason Culbertson

+ Max Shirbroun

+ Cole Cretsinger

+ Jace Baker

+ Blake Heydon

+ Eli McAlister

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ALUMNI IN COLLEGE

+ Kolby Culbertson - Northern State

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TEAM OUTLOOK

“We have the returning nucleus to be a state tournament contender. Our lack of depth is a concern because it leaves us with no margin for error. We must stay healthy throughout the entire season. ” – John Waddle, head coach

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Find more information on the 2026 Coon Rapids-Bayard program below:

+ Visit the Prep Baseball Iowa 2026 HS Team Previews

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FOLLOW PREP BASEBALL IOWA THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball Iowa on X
+ Prep Baseball Iowa on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball Iowa on Facebook

 

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