JACKSONVILLE – Bob Jones High School senior pitcher/shortstop Braden Booth became the first player from North Alabama to win the title of the state’s Mr. Baseball in seven years, bringing the honor back to the region where it once practically resided for a time in the 2010s.
Booth, a Mississippi State signee, was also named the Class 7A Player of the Year as wellduring the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s 52nd annual banquet Sunday night at Jacksonville State University sponsored by ALFA Insurance and the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Meanwhile, Huntsville native and former Alabama golfer Nick Dunlap was named Amateur Athlete of the Year on the same day he finished tied for 12th at the PGA’s Memorial Tournament in Ohio. Dunlap turned pro after winning the American Express tournament in January.
Booth hit .419 with 48 runs scored with 42 RBIs. He had seven home runs and 17 doubles. He held a 1.03 ERA with 120 strikeouts as a pitcher.
“I would first like to thank God for giving me this opportunity,” Booth told those gathered at JSU Stadium. “I would also like to thank all my former coaches for guiding me through this journey. I’d like to thank my parents for the effort they put in to get me where I got today.
“And lastly, my teammates and coaches from Bob Jones – I wouldn’t be who I am without y’all today.”
Other Player of the Year awards Booth has won this year include Gatorade, MaxPreps, PBR and was the Most Valuable Player of the state finals when the Patriots won their first baseball championship by defeating Central-Phenix City.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Mr. Baseball award,” he said. “This recognition is everything as this reflects not just my efforts, but the dedication of my teammates and coaches and fans who have supported me throughout my journey. Baseball is more than just a game. It’s a passion. Thank you for this incredible honor.”
Other regional players to be named Mr. Baseball, which was first awarded in 1999, include Tanner Burns (Decatur, 2017), Owen Lovell (Cullman, 2016), Brax Garrett (Florence, 2015), Cody Reed (Ardmore, 2014), Keegan Thompson (Cullman, 2013), Daniel Koger (Huntsville, 2011), Tyler Stoval (Hokes Bluff, 2008) and Eric West (Southside-Gadsden, 2001).
Among the other area baseball Player of the Year award winners were Brooks’ Christian Chatterton in 4A and Lauderdale County’s Miles Edwards in 3A.
Also Sunday, Daphne pitcher and Alabama signee Vic Moten was named the Miss Softball and 7A Player of the Year.
Among the softball Player of the Year winners were Morgan Stiles of Athens in 6A and Skyline’s Olivia Treece in 1A.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
