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: Mark Connor

THE BASICS

School: Bellows Free Academy (St. Albans, Vt.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Right-handed pitcher and third baseman
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds

Athletic achievement: He had led the Bobwhites to an 11-1 record at the time of his selection. Connor owned a 6-1 record with a 0.82 ERA through 12 games, along with a .548 batting average and 20 RBI. A Second Team All-Metro selection as a junior, he struck out 49 with just 14 hits and five walks allowed in 34.1 innings pitched.

Academic excellence: Connor has maintained a 3.38 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics and youth sports programs.

THE PRAISE

“Connor throws as hard as anybody we’ve seen this year and he has excellent control,” said Jeff Stetson, head coach at Mt. Abraham Union High. “He hits his spots and has a very good idea of how to pitch. He’s really hit the ball well too.”

THE FUTURE: Connor will attend Clarkson University this fall, where he will play baseball.