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7 Shocking Facts About Hamilton High School Baseball: From NL MVPs To The 2025 Draft's Top Prospects

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The Hamilton High School baseball program in Chandler, Arizona, remains one of the most dominant and closely watched prep sports dynasties in the United States, and the 2025-2026 season is poised to add another historic chapter to its storied legacy. Known as the Huskies, the team competes in the highly competitive Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) 6A Conference, consistently producing elite talent that transitions directly to the NCAA Division I level and Major League Baseball (MLB). As of late December 2025, the focus is shifting from a strong recent history—including two consecutive 6A state championships—to the next wave of prospects who are ready to uphold the program’s "next-man-up mentality."

The program's success is not accidental; it is built on a foundation of elite coaching, intense local rivalries, and a pipeline of talent that extends deep into the MLB and College World Series (CWS). This article dives into the seven most significant facts and entities that define the Hamilton Huskies baseball powerhouse, from their historic state titles to the standout players making headlines today.

The Hamilton Huskies Baseball Dynasty: Key Figures and Achievements

The Hamilton Huskies, led by Head Coach Mike Woods, have established a legacy of winning that few high school programs can match. Their success is measured not just in wins, but in the caliber of players they send to the next level.

  • Location: Chandler, Arizona (Part of the Chandler Unified School District - CUSD)
  • Team Nickname: Huskies
  • Conference: AIA 6A Conference
  • Head Coach: Mike Woods
  • Assistant Coaches: Tom Hansen, Frank Pezzorello, Mike Spears
  • Total State Championships: 6+ AIA 6A State Titles (Including 2003, 2005, 2008, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022)
  • Notable Recent Seasons: The 2022 season finished with an impressive 29-4 record and an AIA 6A State Championship. The team has been a consistent contender, maintaining a top-tier ranking nationally.
  • Key 2025-2026 Roster Names: Jaylen Payne, Kristopher De Santiago, Noah Berge, Brady Wise, Ben Ball, Sammy Garcia.

1. The NL MVP Alumnus: Cody Bellinger's Legacy

Perhaps the most famous alumnus of the Hamilton High School baseball program is Cody Bellinger, who went on to become an MLB star and a National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP). Bellinger’s journey from the Huskies’ diamond to the big leagues highlights the program’s ability to develop professional-level talent. His success serves as a powerful recruiting tool and a source of pride, cementing Hamilton’s reputation as a top-tier development hub for major league prospects. The program boasts a total of four Major Leaguers and 35 alumni listed on The Baseball Cube, demonstrating a consistent pipeline to professional baseball.

2. The 2025 MLB Draft Prospect: Boston Kellner

The next major prospect to emerge from the Huskies is senior Boston Kellner, a highly-touted shortstop and outfielder who is committed to Texas A&M. Kellner is currently ranked as a top 90 prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, making him one of the most exciting players in the nation to watch during the upcoming season. His presence on the roster provides a significant competitive edge and draws national attention to the Huskies’ games. Kellner's strong right-handed bat, combined with his speed (a 6.59 runner) and defensive prowess, makes him a true five-tool player who embodies the high standards of the Hamilton program.

3. The 'Next-Man-Up' Mentality After Back-to-Back Titles

Hamilton baseball recently achieved the rare feat of winning back-to-back AIA 6A State Championships. This run of success, which included a title in the 2022 season with a 29-4 record, created a high bar for the current squad. Following the departure of key players to college and the minor leagues, the team has adopted a "next-man-up" mentality. This philosophy ensures that younger players and new varsity members are ready to step into crucial roles, maintaining the team’s competitive edge despite significant roster turnover. This continuous cycle of development and success is a hallmark of Coach Mike Woods' tenure.

4. The College World Series Pipeline: Class of 2025 Alumni

The program’s impact extends well beyond high school graduation, as evidenced by the number of alumni who competed in the 2025 College World Series (CWS). Alums like Roch Cholowsky (UCLA), Gavin Turley (Oregon State), and Carson Johnson (Arizona) represented the Huskies on the biggest stage in college baseball. This consistent representation at the CWS demonstrates the program's ability to prepare athletes for the rigorous demands of NCAA Division I baseball and ensures that college recruiters view Hamilton as a premier source of talent.

5. The Battle For Arizona Avenue: Hamilton vs. Chandler Rivalry

No discussion of Hamilton baseball is complete without mentioning their intense, localized rivalry with the Chandler High School Wolves, often dubbed "The Battle For Arizona Avenue." This rivalry is one of the most heated in Arizona prep sports and frequently culminates in high-stakes playoff matchups. The Huskies have historically dominated the series, including a significant 11-1 run-rule victory over the Wolves in a 6A State Championship game. These rivalry games are not just about a win; they are crucial tests of character and a major focal point for the Chandler community, adding a layer of intensity to the AIA 6A schedule.

6. Mike Woods: The Long-Tenured Architect of Success

The stability and success of the Huskies program are largely attributed to Head Coach Mike Woods. Under his leadership, Hamilton has won multiple state titles and appeared in numerous championship games. Coach Woods has cultivated a culture of excellence and accountability, focusing on fundamental development while preparing players for the mental and physical demands of high-level baseball. His coaching staff, including assistants Tom Hansen, Frank Pezzorello, and Mike Spears, provides the consistent guidance necessary to manage a program with such high expectations and national visibility.

7. The 2026 Season Outlook: Maintaining the Championship Standard

With the 2025 season concluded, the focus shifts to the 2026 campaign. The team is positioned to continue its run as a national contender, despite the inherent challenges of the AIA 6A conference. The returning core, combined with the emergence of younger prospects, will be tasked with navigating a schedule that includes perennial powerhouses like Mountain Ridge and Pinnacle. The Huskies' ability to develop new talent year after year, fueled by the legacy of alumni like Cody Bellinger and the immediate impact of players like Boston Kellner, suggests that another deep playoff run and a push for the state title are well within reach for the Hamilton Huskies.

hamilton high school baseball
hamilton high school baseball

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