Video: Diving catch straight into a wallTyler Pettigrew of Henley (Klamath Falls, Ore.) made one of the top catches during the 2016 season.
2017 Pennsylvania Preseason Baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Malvern Prep (Malvern)
Head coach: Freddy Hilliard
2016 record: 29-6
Malvern Prep does not compete for a state championship in Pennsylvania, but it still ranks as the top program in the state. Ten players with varsity experience return from last year's squad, including two potential MLB Draft picks in catcher
Shane Muntz and shortstop
Matt Daller. Malvern Prep has eight players who have committed to play college baseball.
See last season's Pennsylvania baseball computer rankings2. Spring-Ford (Royersford)
Head coach: Bruce Brobst
2016 record: 16-5
The Rams feature a strong pitching staff that includes some of the state's top pitchers. Righthander
Conor Larkin heads the list and he is joined by righty
Nick Brauer. Spring-Ford also has one of the top juniors in the state in outfielder
Jake Kelchner.
See the MaxPreps Pennsylvania baseball pro photo galleries3. Bellefonte
Head coach: Dan Framel
2016 record: 17-8
Bellefonte celebrates its 2016 Class AAA state championship.
File photo by Ken Reabe Jr.
The defending Class AAA state champion returns many of its top offensive players, led by senior first baseman
Logan Mathieu, who batted .379 with 14 doubles and three home runs.
Tyler Kreger also returns at shortstop after batting .364 last year. Junior
Adam Armstrong heads the pitching staff after going 4-1 last year with a 0.74 ERA.
See last season's MaxPreps Pennsylvania baseball playoff brackets4. Council Rock North (Newtown)
Head coach: Matt Schram
2016 record: 20-4
Council Rock lost in the second round of the AAAA state playoffs to Marple Newtown, but the Indians return three of their top pitchers in senior
Joe Preciado and juniors
Gavin Ferrandino and
Eric Hoefer. Also back is senior outfielder
Cole Olshavsky, who is headed to La Salle. Leadoff hitter
Cavan Tully is back after hitting .368 last year.
See last season's MaxPreps Pennsylvania baseball stat leaders5. Cumberland Valley (Mechanicsburg)
Head coach: Levi Mumma
2016 record: 18-8
The Eagles made it to the semifinals of the AAAA tournament, falling to eventual state champion Boyertown. Five of the team's top seven offensive leaders return, led by junior
Drew Baughman, who batted .427 with three home runs.
Mitch Hoon returns on the mound with a 5-2 pitching record and 60 strikeouts.
