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Seth Hernandez wins 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for high school baseball

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez06/11/25lawandfern
Seth Hernandez - 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for baseball
Seth Hernandez, Corona High School's all-around player, won the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year honors for high school baseball. (Photo credit: Gatorade National Player of the Year website)

Corona High School’s Seth Hernandez is the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for high school baseball. The Selection Committee chose him among the 49 state winners for the 2024-2025 season based on the pillars of athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

Hernandez is a do-it-all player for Corona, the nation’s top team based on the latest Perfect Game rankings. As a right-handed pitcher, he finished with a 9-1 record with a 0.39 earned run average and 105 strikeouts.

Likewise, he gave up only seven walks in 53.1 innings. As a hitter, he batted .319 with 30 RBIs, 24 earned runs, seven home runs, and a 1.019 OPS. Hernandez also plays as an infielder and an outfielder for Corona.

These numbers placed him among the top high school prospects from the Class of 2025. Meanwhile, the California Gatorade Player of the Year helped the Panthers compile a 28-3 record and reach the semifinals of the CIF Division 1 Southern Section.

As Martin Luther King High head coach Justin Solis said, “We faced Corona High three times this season and Seth Hernandez stood out as the best player on the field. He’s a humble player who smiles often and clearly enjoys the game, the spotlight and his teammates. Over my 20-plus years of coaching, I’ve seen many great high school players and he is truly one of the best.”

While he excels in his chosen sport, Seth Hernandez is also doing wonders in the classroom with a 3.44 GPA. He signified his intention to play baseball for Vanderbilt University, but he could be a first-round selection in the upcoming Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.

In addition to baseball and academics, Hernandez is also an active member of the Victory Baptist Church. Aside from lending a hand during fundraising activities, he also volunteers for the senior living community.

Winning the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year Award for high school baseball puts Hernandez in illustrious company. Past winners of this recognition include Gary Sheffield, Alex Rodriguez, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, and Bobby Witt Jr. among others.

Seth Hernandez will also get a $1,000 grant and a $10,000 spotlight grant for an organization of his choice. To date, the program granted over $5.6 million to more than 2,000 organizations.