Even with the returning winniner back and more than nine months until the season begins, the 2025 race for the Daily Chronicle Baseball Player of the Year award is wide open.
Teams really didn’t like pitching to Martin Ledbetter. The Hinckley Big Rock junior slugger drew 26 walks this year, a chunk of those intentionally and a handful with the bases loaded. He still hit .492 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs with an OPS of 1.774.
It wasn't just about strong arms and popping bats. The Daily Chronicle 2024 Baseball All-Area Team also features many players who flashed the leather with strong defensive performances.