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

Video: Diving catch straight into a wall
Tyler Pettigrew of Henley (Klamath Falls, Ore.) made one of the top catches during the 2016 season.


1. Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)
Head coach: Ed Holloway
2016 record: 23-6

The Hawks won the Division 1 state championship last year with a 3-1 victory over South Kingstown. State Player of the Year Dante Baldelli has graduated, but several All-State and All-Conference honorees return, including pitcher Nicola Salvaggio (junior) and left fielder Andrew Flint.

See last season's Rhode Island baseball computer rankings

2. La Salle Academy (Providence)
Head coach: Mark Mercurio
2016 record: 13-10

The Rams finished just above .500 last year, but they return one of the state's top players in outfielder Ryan Ramos. As a junior, Ramos batted .450 with 17 RBIs while earning All-State honors. The Rams also return All-Conference shortstop Brenden Taylor.

See the MaxPreps Rhode Island baseball pro photo galleries

3. Cranston West
Head coach: Rob Malo
2016 record: 18-6-1 The Falcons return a pair of All-State players from last year's squad. Steven Rocchio earned All-State honors and was named the Cy Young winner after posting a 7-2 pitching record with a 1.50 ERA. Steven Piscopiello earned All-State second team honors as a center fielder. He batted .246 and was the Gold Glove winner.

See last season's MaxPreps Rhode Island baseball playoff brackets

4. South Kingstown (Wakefield)
Head coach: James Sauro
2016 record: 23-4

The Rebels reached the Division 1 state championship series, falling to Bishop Hendricken. Although three All-State players have graduated, three other second team All-State players return. They include sophomore third baseman Blaine Lidsky, senior outfielder Samuel Kenyon and senior centerfielder Brendan Blessing.

See last season's MaxPreps Rhode Island baseball stat leaders

5. Moses Brown (Providence)
Head coach: Kevin Matson
2016 record: 17-10

Although eliminated from the postseason at the regional level, Moses Brown returns one of the top players in the state in senior shortstop Luis DeLeon. He batted .391 last year while earning All-Division I-B honors. Jake Studley also returns. A junior, he earned All-Conference honors last year.