MaxPreps 2016 Maryland preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Gaithersburg
Head coach: Jeff Rabberman
2015 record: 22-2

The Trojans won the Class 4A state championship with a 5-3 win over Severna Park. Returning from that team are preseason all-state pitchers Anthony Felitti and Nick Pantos. They are two of eight starters Gaithersburg returns from last year's club.

See last season's Maryland baseball computer rankings

2. Archbishop Spalding (Severn)
Head coach: Joe Palumbo
2015 record: 25-4

Finishing behind DeMatha and Riverdale Baptist in the Maryland Private School championships last year, the Cavaliers return eight starters from that team, including five who have committed to play college ball. Returning all-state picks include left-handed pitcher Tyler Blohm (6-1), catcher Carter Sears (.367), center fielder Billy Godrick (.413) and infielder David Harding (.316).

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3. St. Mary's (Annapolis)
Head coach: John Poss
2015 record: 25-2

The Saints captured the MIAA Class B state championship last year and return six position players and four pitchers from that squad. Three players have been selected as preseason all-state players, including catcher Brady O'Neil, pitcher Elliott Zoellner and sophomore pitcher Stephen Pelli.



See last season's Maryland baseball playoff brackets

4. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro)
Head coach: Ryan Terrill
2015 record: 30-7

The Crusaders defeated DeMatha for the Maryland Private School championship and they return six of the team's top eight hitters from last year. Among them include Zechariah McPhearson (.393), Joey Mendez (.321) and Sergio Burgos (.319).

See last season's Maryland baseball stat leaders

5. La Plata
Head coach: John Childers
2015 record: 19-3

The Warriors reached the third round of the playoffs before falling to Chopticon. However La Plata returns a solid core, led by preseason all-state catcher Tyler Stockwell (.506), shortstop Taylor Cook (.333) and pitcher Scott Logue.