ASWA Names Burns Mr. Baseball and Willis Miss Softball

The Alabama Sports Writers Association honored top prep athletes during their 46th annual convention in Hoover.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Softball

ASWA Names Burns Mr. Baseball and Willis Miss Softball

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Should high school sports awards prioritize athletic stats over personal stories of overcoming adversity?

The Alabama Sports Writers Association recognized Tanner Burns and Annie Willis as the state's top high school baseball and softball players, respectively. The association announced the winners during their 46th annual convention held at the Hyatt-Wynfrey.

Why it matters

These awards celebrate the pinnacle of high school athletic achievement in Alabama, spotlighting standouts who have demonstrated elite performance throughout their careers. The selections reflect the culmination of the association's committee meetings to determine the best prep talent across the state.

Annie Willis finished her season with 543 strikeouts and a 0.40 ERA, while Tanner Burns recorded 18 home runs and 46 RBI alongside a 0.88 pitching ERA. Willis achieved a career total of 1,975 strikeouts throughout her time on the diamond.

The players

Tanner Burns

He is a standout baseball player for Decatur who has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Mr. Baseball.

Annie Willis

She is a standout athlete for Westminster Christian who has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Miss Softball.

Ethan Hearn

He is a student athlete from Mobile Christian who received the Jimmy Smothers Courage Award.

Alabama Sports Writers Association

This organization is responsible for selecting all-state teams and honoring high school athletes across Alabama.

The details

Tanner Burns, who plays for Decatur, is currently projected to be a high selection in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft. Meanwhile, Westminster Christian star Annie Willis secured her recognition following a remarkable season in which she maintained a 43-3-1 pitching record.

November 2025 marks when Ethan Hearn suffered the loss of his mother.
October 25, 2026, was when the ASWA prep committee met to select the all-state teams.
October 26, 2026, was when the ASWA announced the award winners at the annual convention.

Season Trajectory

The announcement of these awards marks the official conclusion of the state's high school baseball and softball evaluation cycle. This validation of individual talent sets the tone for the upcoming recruiting landscape and highlights the standard for future championship contenders in the state.

For followers of the state's prep circuit, the selection of Tanner Burns confirms his status as a top-tier prospect heading into the MLB draft. The honors also serve as an official record for fans tracking the most dominant pitching performances and statistical leaders in Alabama high school history.

The takeaway

These awards highlight the importance of recognizing both technical excellence and personal resilience in youth athletics. Readers can appreciate the immense dedication required to reach such high statistical milestones, such as nearing 2,000 career strikeouts, while supporting student athletes who face significant personal challenges.