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: Jason Barber

THE BASICS

School: Oxford (Miss.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Right-handed pitcher and third baseman
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 191 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Chargers (28-8) to their second straight Class 5A state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, Barber posted a 10-2 record with a 1.08 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched. The 2016 Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection also batted .330 with five home runs, 37 RBI and a .536 slugging percentage.

Academic excellence: Barber has maintained a 3.62 GPA.

Exemplary character: A devoted parishioner in his church community, he has volunteered locally at a homeless shelter and as a youth baseball coach.

THE PRAISE

“Jason Barber is a fine young man on the field and has some of the best stuff I’ve seen from a high school pitcher,” said Greg Lewis, head coach at Lafayette High. “They have a chance for another shot at the title and he is a big reason for the success.”

THE FUTURE: Barber has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball on scholarship the University of Mississippi this fall.