News Summary

The high school baseball season in Ohio is set to commence on March 29, 2025, with teams like the Moeller Crusaders and defending champions Mason making headlines. Preseason rankings highlight Moeller’s top position and feature other strong contenders such as Badin Rams, Twinsburg Tigers, and Grove City. With exciting matchups and emerging talent, fans are eager for a thrilling season ahead.

Ohio Baseball Season Kicks Off with Exciting Preseason Rankings

The buzz of baseball fever is in the air across Ohio as the high school baseball season for 2025 is set to begin on March 29. With the diamonds ready for action, fans are eager to see which teams and players will shine this year. Thanks to the hard work of high school sports writers and editors, we’ve got the latest preseason rankings that highlight the top contenders in the state. Get ready for a thrilling season!

Top Teams Taking Center Stage

The Moeller Crusaders from Moeller High School are stepping into the spotlight as they are ranked first in Ohio Division I by both the state’s coaches and various baseball reports. This team doesn’t just stop at regional recognition; they are also making waves on a national level, snagging impressive rankings in the top 10 by outlets like MaxPreps (#5), Sports Illustrated (#6), and Prep Baseball Report (#8).

Last year, Moeller finished with a fantastic 29-3 record, making it to the regional finals before falling to the state champion, Mason. As they look to bounce back this season, they bring back some star players that have both fans and scouts excited. The standout is Zion Theophilus, the Gatorade Player of the Year and a committed player to Louisiana State, alongside the Greater Catholic League-South Player of the Year, Conner Cuozzo. They also have Matt Ponatoski, known as the reigning Ohio Mr. Football, and senior Luke Pappano, who had a stellar batting average of .370 last season.

Mason and Badin: The Competitors

Meanwhile, the defending Division I state champions, the Comets from Mason, are gearing up for another run. After wrapping up last season with an 18-6 record and losing several key starters, they are still a team to watch. Junior Ben Hanley, with an impressive 0.98 ERA across 28 ⅔ innings, will be crucial for their success this year.

If we turn our attention to Division III, we can’t overlook the Badin Rams. They are ranked first in their division and ready to tackle the season with their strong pitching lineup—several boasting ERAs below 2.07. Their standout pitcher, Chandler Taylor, is committed to Alabama and has a career on-base percentage over .500, making him a vital asset for the team.

Other Teams on the Rise

It’s not just about Moeller and Mason in this state! The Twinsburg Tigers have shown promise as state runners-up last year with a record of 24-7, while the Grove City team returns a deep roster that includes all-state outfielder Gavin Lawler, who hit a remarkable .507 last season.

As for Perrysburg, they look to build on their 25-8 finish from last year, returning three of their top hitters. The Pioneers from Orange are also in a strong position with a 22-8 record from last season, and key players returning to the lineup.

Notable Mentions

Let’s not forget about Jonathan Alder, who will rely heavily on Ashton Martin, a Wright State commit coming off a staggering .490 batting average. West Branch, who clinched the Division II state title in 2024, is also set to return several starters, adding to their chances of another successful season.

In the mix for Division II, the Loveland team finished strong last year with a record of 19-9 and has high expectations for their upcoming games. Indian Hill is also anticipated to perform well, moving into Division IV after a record-setting 22-8 season, while Cincinnati Country Day, fresh off a 21-9 season, looks strong at fourth in Division VI.

A New Era of Competition

With Ohio’s baseball structure transitioning to seven divisions, there are many opportunities for smaller schools to make a name for themselves in the postseason. As opening day approaches, all eyes are on these top teams, players, and the exciting matchups that are sure to unfold this season. Who will rise to the top and claim the title? That’s the beauty of baseball—anything can happen!

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