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: Jaren Shelby
THE BASICS
School: Tates Creek (Lexington, Ky.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Centerfielder
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 191 pounds
Athletic achievement: He has led the Commodores to a 24-6 record and a berth in the state tournament, scheduled to begin June 9. At the time of his selection, Shelby owned a .405 batting average with 12 home runs, 34 RBI and 30 stolen bases. A 2015 First Team All-State selection, he played in the 2015 Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park in San Diego last summer.
Academic excellence: Shelby has maintained a 3.39.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a peer mentor and as a youth baseball coach.
THE PRAISE
“Jaren Shelby is the best hitter I have seen in years,” said Wayne Huff, head coach at Boone County High. “He has a short compact swing with a ton of power.”
THE FUTURE: Shelby has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball on scholarship at the University of Kentucky this fall.
