News Summary

Arizona’s high school baseball scene is celebrating its top 25 all-time position players, featuring prominent athletes who have left their mark on the game. The rankings highlight stars like Bob Horner and Paul Konerko, among others, reflecting the state’s rich baseball legacy. Fans are encouraged to vote on who they believe deserves recognition as the best non-pitcher in history. A recent incident at Pinnacle High School has cast a shadow over the season, but the excitement surrounding the future of Arizona baseball remains strong.

Arizona High School Baseball: The Top 25 All-Time Position Players

Arizona is buzzing with excitement as the crème de la crème of high school baseball players is ranked in the latest article focusing on the top 25 all-time position players. This follows a previous spotlight on the most phenomenal pitchers from the state. Fans of the game are sure to appreciate the impressive talents that have emerged from Arizona, and they’re eager to weigh in on who they think deserves the title of best overall non-pitcher. A poll is active, allowing readers to cast their votes until August 1 at 5 p.m.

The Heavy Hitters: Top 5 Rankings

Leading the pack is Bob Horner, hailing from Glendale Apollo and a proud member of the Class of 1975. This powerhouse was the No. 1 overall MLB draft pick out of Arizona State and jumped straight into the big leagues! Playing primarily at third and first base for the Atlanta Braves, Horner became well-known for his explosive hitting prowess. Averaging a jaw-dropping 35 home runs and 109 RBIs over 162 games, he notably hit four homers in a single game back in 1986—a feat still talked about in the baseball community.

Next up is Paul Konerko, from Scottsdale Chaparral, who graduated in 1994. The Chicago White Sox retired his jersey number 14, celebrating his stellar 18-year career. With an impressive tally of 439 home runs and 1,412 RBIs, Konerko’s .279 batting average made him a key player in his team’s World Series championship run. It’s hard to argue against his legendary status!

Hot on their heels is Cody Bellinger, the recent standout from Chandler Hamilton, Class of 2013. Currently taking the field for the New York Yankees after an impressive tenure with the Dodgers, Bellinger shines as the 2019 National League MVP. It’s remarkable that he also led his Little League team to the World Series in 2007, showcasing his early talent.

Following Bellinger, we have Tim Salmon from Phoenix Greenway, Class of 1986. Salmon was a double whammy, bagging the title of Gatorade Arizona HS Baseball Player of the Year twice! As a key fixture with the Angels, he rose to become the franchise’s all-time home run leader. Salmon didn’t just stick to the regular season; he also wowed fans by hitting .346 in the 2002 World Series and was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1993.

Lastly, rounding out this impressive list is Paul Lo Duca, also from Apollo, Class of 1990. The talented catcher was known for his keen batting eye and driven leadership on the field. His high school team made it to the state final, and he earned the title of Sporting News’ Player of the Year during his college career. Lo Duca wasn’t done yet—he made four All-Star Game selections during his MLB journey.

Notables Worth Mentioning

This article also highlights several other noteworthy players. Among them is Terry Kennedy, who was an All-Star catcher with a steady .264 batting average. Andre Ethier made a name for himself with the Dodgers and is remembered for his impressive .371 average in college and overall stellar career. Ian Kinsler had an incredible 14-year MLB career and became part of the distinguished 30-30 club back in 2009. Khris Davis stands out for his power-hitting abilities and didn’t shy away from being a former home run champion in MLB.

As if that’s not enough, there’s the exciting prospect of Roch Cholowsky, who is already generating buzz as a likely top draft pick for MLB in 2026 after a stellar senior season. The future looks bright for Arizona baseball!

In the midst of these rankings and accomplishments, the baseball landscape at Pinnacle High School may have taken a hit. Ten seniors recently left their baseball team due to a controversial incident involving a coach, which is stirring up conversations within the community. Currently, Pinnacle’s season record stands at 13-11-1, reflecting a tumultuous time for the team.

Overall, this ranking of top position players gleams with pride, showcasing Arizona’s rich legacy in producing phenomenal baseball talents and leaves everyone eagerly anticipating the next big stars!

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