Now that the 2025 high school season has ended, we are excited to announce one player, who emerged ahead of the competition, at all levels across the state of Louisiana.  This player has been selected not only for their outstanding statistical numbers, but also for their overall effect on their high school program.  We are excited to announce that Andrew Clapinski of Catholic BR High School has earned our 2025 Player of the Year award!  Below, we dive into Clapinski's journey and his stellar senior year.  Be sure to follow us, across all of our social media platforms, as we will soon be releasing our 2025 All-State Team!

 

2025 Prep Baseball Louisiana Player of the Year

 

2025 STATISTICS

Plate Appearances: 155

Average: .460

On-Base Percentage: .594

Hits: 50

Home Runs: 6

Doubles: 13

Triples: 2

Runs Batted In: 41

Walks: 38

Strikeouts: 11

THE CLAPINSKI STORY

When you scan through the in-game notes on Andrew Clapinski’s profile, one word consistently stands out—“performer.” And that’s exactly what the LSU-Eunice signee has been throughout his career at Catholic High School (BR). He may not be the fastest runner, boast the strongest arm, or top exit velocity charts, but when it comes to making winning plays and handling big moments, there’s no one you'd rather have behind the plate—or at it—than Clapinski.

Nicknamed “Clap,” he broke into Catholic’s varsity lineup as a sophomore in 2023 as the team’s designated hitter, contributing to a deep playoff run that ended in a semifinal upset. By 2024, he had taken over full-time catching duties, and the Bears soared to new heights. That season, he hit .396 with 6 home runs, 14 doubles, a triple, and 45 RBI—leading the team in both home runs and RBI. He also expertly managed a pitching staff that posted a 1.15 team ERA en route to a 38–2 record, a Division I Select State Title, and a National Championship.

In 2025, with the pressure of defending a title and lofty expectations, Clapinski raised the bar again. Catholic (BR) went 37–5 and captured its first back-to-back state championships in program history. Clapinski finished his senior campaign hitting .460 with 6 home runs, 13 doubles, 2 triples, and 41 RBI. He also showed elite plate discipline, drawing 38 walks while striking out just 11 times.

Clapinski exits the Catholic (BR) program as one of the greatest catchers—if not the greatest—to wear the black and gold. He’s the embodiment of the phrase, “It’s not where you start, it’s how you finish,” and he finishes his high school career as the 2025 Prep Baseball Louisiana Player of the Year.