Pitching, hitting and fielding are the three aspects that make up the game of baseball.

Maplesville’s Trevor Wallace exemplified each of these skills and in doing so was named the 2016 Baseball Player of the Year by The Clanton Advertiser.

“You work for stuff like this, but it’s crazy when you get it,” Wallace said. “It’s quite an honor.”

Wallace helped lead the Red Devils to a deep postseason run that eventually came to an end against J.U. Blacksher in the third round.

“I wasn’t sad because we lost as much as I was because I knew that I wouldn’t get a chance to play with these teammates ever again,” Wallace said.

Wallace and his fellow group of seniors showed a tenacity that funneled throughout the team and created a belief that was oftentimes unmatched by opponents.

He has been regular starter on the Maplesville varsity baseball team since his freshman year of high school, and has rotated between shortstop and pitcher throughout that time.

According to Wallace, when he steps on the field he is most confident in his ability to consistently reach base.

Wallace is a contact hitter that showcased glimpses of power as he led the team with a .558 batting average, 20 doubles and five home runs.

“I really try to work on my hitting a lot because being in the five hole, you’ve got four people in front of you to bring around,” Wallace said. “If I get a piece of one, I like to see how far it will go.”

March was a memorable month on the mound for Wallace, who threw a complete game shutout against Isabella on March 14 and a no-hitter against Dallas County on March 29.

“Those are things that don’t come around too often,” Wallace said.

According to Wallace, his pitching approach varied depending on the lineup that he faced.

On the season, Wallace pitched 61 innings and allowed 40 hits and a 2.36 ERA, while striking out 101 batters.

“One day I’m throwing heat and the next day I’ll be throwing curveballs or whatever else just to catch people off guard,” Wallace said.

Throughout his playing career, Wallace continued to work on his composure during games.

“When something doesn’t happen right, my emotions have a tendency to get the best of me,” Wallace said. “I’ve really strived to keep that in check over the last several years.”

During Wallace’s time in the Maplesville athletic program, he won two consecutive state titles in football and saw the continued growth of the baseball program into a state contender as well.

“There was no playing around this year,” Wallace said. “It was definitely a fun ride and a memorable time.”

 

All-Area Baseball Team

 

First Team

Pitcher: Jamie Barnett, Billingsley, senior

Pitcher: Bailey Sellers, Thorsby, junior

Pitcher: Trevor Wallace, Maplesville, senior

Pitcher: Banks Woodley, Jemison, senior

First Baseman: Hunter Bennett, Chilton County, senior

Second Baseman: Noah Godwin, Billingsley, sophomore

Shortstop: Cade Hatch, Chilton County, senior

Third Baseman: Tyler Durham, Isabella, sophomore

Designated Hitter: Logan Ray, Jemison, senior

Utility: Jacob Davis, Isabella, sophomore

Outfielder: Corbin Bice, Chilton County, senior

Outfielder: Conner McRae, Thorsby, senior

Outfielder: T.J. White, Verbena, sophomore

Catcher: Dustin Cleckler, Chilton County, junior

 

Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Tolliver Gilliland, Chilton County, senior

Pitcher: Chris Cook, Verbena, senior

Pitcher: Clay Cunningham, Jemison, senior

Shortstop: Eric Willis, Billingsley, senior

Second Baseman: Tristan Short, Verbena, junior

Infielder: Will Lenoir, Jemison, senior

Catcher: Devan Wallace, Maplesville, senior