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4 Days Until the State Softball Announcement
Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year

Baseball - West Virginia

Gatorade Player of the year

Slade Barton

Right-handed pitcher/infielder
MORGANTOWN HS
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
SENIOR
Height: 6-FOOT-3
Press Release

Peak Performance

1.68

ERA

47

Strikeouts

.368

Batting Average

.455

OBP
“Slade has demonstrated elite-level performance on the baseball field, which sets him apart from his peers. As Slade’s coach for the first three years of his high school career, I’ve had the privilege of watching him develop into one of the most outstanding student-athletes I’ve encountered in my 15 years of coaching.”
Michael Davis
Head Coach - George Washington High

Athletic Excellence

At the time of his selection, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior right-handed pitcher and infielder had led the Mohigans (27-5) to a berth in the AAAA state tournament. Barton compiled a record of 7-0 over 33.1 innings on the mound, posting a 1.68 ERA while fanning 47 batters. He also hit .368 through 32 games and recorded .455 on-base percentage.

Academic Achievement

Barton has maintained a 3.78 weighted GPA in the classroom. He has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play baseball at West Virginia University this fall.

Exemplary Character

Barton has volunteered locally at food banks and by making goodwill visits to pediatric cancer patients. He has also donated his time helping the elderly in his community with winter cleanup tasks.