It would only be appropriate that the MaxPreps National Player of the Year brought to you by the U.S. Air Force would have a name like Stetson, since he wore so many hats for his team on the way to an Ohio Division I state championship.
Stetson Allie, one of the top combo players in the country, led the St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) Eagles (28-3) at the plate and on the mound and helped the team, coached by his father Danny Allie, to its second state championship in the past three seasons. As a result, Allie has been chosen as the MaxPreps National Player of the Year.
As a hitter, Allie batted .500 on the season, going 37 for 74 with 32 RBI, 14 doubles and three home runs. He also had one of the more dramatic home runs of the season, hitting a seventh-inning blast to beat Walsh Jesuit, which at the time was ranked No. 1 in the country by MaxPreps.
Stetson Allie, St. Edward of Lakewood, Ohio
Photo courtesy of Vickie Wolf
For his career, Allie batted .414 (135 for 326) with 116 RBI, 38 doubles and 17 home runs.
It was on the mound, however, that Allie made his mark this season. After rarely pitching last year for the Eagles, Allie became the No. 1 starter this year thanks to a fastball that regularly hit the high 90s. He pitched 60 innings on the season, struck out 134 batters and walked only 24 while posting a 9-1 record and 1.40 ERA.
He was at his best in the Ohio Division I state championship game against Elder as he struck out 13 batters in an 8-3 victory. During the game, Allie was clocked at 101 mph on the radar gun.
"It was a dream come true. We have had that team goal on our board since being defeated in the semifinal regional game in 2009," Allie said. "It was a great feeling to be in control of our team's destiny on the mound and knowing that I had great people around me. I could not think of a better place to be on a Sunday, June 6, 2010."
Two days later, Allie found himself in another good place.
He was the second selection of the second round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, going to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although listed as a possible first-round choice, Allie has also committed to play baseball next year at North Carolina. The draft day process left Allie with some anxiety after not being chosen in the first round.
"But there is a silver lining to every situation. I have been brought up to see the good in every situation, whether it be good or bad," Allie said. "The Pittsburgh Pirates are a tradition-rich organization and a great town to play in. I just have to put my faith in the hands of my dad, who is my advisor, and I cannot be in any better hands than that. How can you be disappointed? University of North Carolina Tar Heels or the Pittsburgh Pirates."
Allie expects good things if he decides to join the Pirates.
"It is a great organization on the rise," he said. "They develop their young draft picks and have one goal, winning. They take care of their players throughout the development process."
Pittsburgh has until Aug. 15 to sign Allie, who can choose to attend college instead.
"I'm going to have to choose the situation that is best for Stetson Allie," he said. "My goal is (to) play in the big leagues, period. Whether it is through the University of North Carolina or directly to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, only time will tell."
