The Gatorade State Baseball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For a list of the other Gatorade State Baseball Players of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Jimmy Titus

THE BASICS

School: East Catholic (Manchester, Conn.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Shortstop
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 195 pounds

Athletic achievement: He had led the Eagles to a 14-3 record at the time of his selection. The state’s returning Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, Titus owned a .648 batting average with six home runs, 27 RBI and a 1.185 slugging percentage through 17 games. The Hartford Courant Player of the Year as a junior, he was also a Rawlings/Perfect Game First Team Preseason All-American and was named to the USA TODAY’s American Family Insurance ALL-USA Connecticut First Team.

Academic excellence: Titus has maintained a 3.92 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally coaching youth baseball players and assisting the disabled with MARC, Inc. of Manchester.

THE PRAISE

“Titus is a man among boys as a hitter,” said Matt Rondinone, head coach at East Hartford High. “He’s also a great leader and he plays the game the right way. He’s the best player on the field every game he plays.”

THE FUTURE: Titus has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball on scholarship at Bryant University this fall.