MaxPreps 2017 Oregon preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Diving catch straight into a wall
See an Oregon player grab one of the top catches during the 2016 season.


1. Sheldon (Eugene)
Head coach: Tyler Martell
2016 record: 25-6

Sheldon reached the Class 6A state semifinals last year before falling to Oregon City. The Irish return a pair of All-State players in Matt Land, who batted .348 with 32 runs scored, and Sam Olsson, who batted .475 with 29 RBIs. Also back is Tanner Zenke, who batted .465 with 32 runs scored.

See last season's Oregon baseball computer rankings

2. West Linn
Head coach: Joe Monahan
2016 record: 23-9 West Linn reached the quarterfinals of the Class 6A state playoffs, but fell to Sheldon and was eliminated. The Lions return one of the state's top athletes in Tim Tawa, an infielder who has already committed to Stanford. Also back are All-League pitcher Jake Porter and second team All-League catcher Micah Gibson.

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3. Lincoln (Portland)
Head coach: C.J. Watson
2016 record: 21-10

Lincoln returns many of the top players from the PIL, including conference Pitcher of the Year Jon Fortner as well as All-League picks Baxter Halligan (P/1B), Brandon Leitgeb (IF)  and Gabe Skoro (OF). Lincoln will miss league Player of the Year Thomas Rudinsky, who graduated.

See last season's MaxPreps Oregon baseball playoff brackets

4. Summit (Bend)
Head coach: Alan Embree
2016 record: 27-3

Led by former MLB player Alan Embree, Summit won the Class 5A state championship last year. Although the team was senior-dominated last year, Summit still has enough talent to compete for a Class 5A title. Returning players include Grant Tobias at catcher, Alex Bailey in the outfield and Cameron Davis at pitcher.

See last season's MaxPreps Oregon baseball stat leaders

5. Westview (Portland)
Head coach: Steve Antich
2016 record: 28-5

Westview has been a perennial state contender in Class 6A under coach Steve Antich, winning the state title in 2011. Although a number of seniors have graduated, the Wildcats return one of the league's top outfielders in Luke Pilat.