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: Grant Lavigne

THE BASICS

School: Bedford (N.H.)
Grade: Sophomore
Position: First baseman
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 220 pounds

Athletic achievement: He had led the Bulldogs to an 11-3 record at the time of his selection. Lavigne owned a .543 batting average with six home runs and 21 RBI through 14 games. A First Team All-State selection as a freshman, he has posted an on-base percentage of .696 and a slugging percentage of 1.200. He is ranked as the No. 89 player nationally in the Class of 2018 by Perfect Game.

Academic excellence: Lavigne has maintained a 3.37 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of youth baseball teams and his church’s religious education program.

THE PRAISE

“Lavigne is the best hitter I’ve seen at that age,” said Logan Gillis, head coach at Nashua North High. “He can hit to all fields, he can hit for power, he can hit any pitch you throw at him. He’s just a very difficult kid to get out.”

THE FUTURE: Lavigne will begin his junior year of high school this fall.