MORGANTOWN – Morgantown High School senior pitcher Slade Barton was named the 2025-26 Gatorade West Virginia Baseball Player of the Year on Monday.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound hurler has been nothing short of dominant on the mound for the Mohigans in 2026, playing a key role for his team on their way to a third consecutive state tournament appearance.
Entering the Class AAAA tournament, Barton has a record of 7-0 in 2026. In 33.1 innings pitched, he holds a 1.68 ERA with 47 strikeouts and only 14 hits allowed.
He’s also totaled 19 at-bats for MHS as a designated hitter with seven hits, including a double and triple, and a pair of drawn walks.
“This is a huge honor to be named the West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year,” Barton said. “There are so many great players in our state who are considered hidden gems. I have had the opportunity to play and compete with some very talented baseball players over the last four years, who have helped shape who I am today. I wouldn’t be in this position without any of them, and I’m proud to represent my school and state.”
Barton has been a massive part of the 27-5 Mohigans’ campaign in 2026, and brings state tournament experience to the roster.
He also brings another senior presence to the program at MHS, which prides itself on being a great teammate.
“All credit for what I’ve done goes to the defense behind me, and especially our two catchers, Luca Mezzanotte and Quincy Joseph,” Barton said. “They work so hard behind the plate for all of our pitchers. I have also gotten great run support from our offense on every outing. That takes a lot of weight off my shoulders.”
For MHS to reach its ultimate goal of a Class AAAA state championship in Huntington next weekend, Barton says competing both physically and mentally is equally important.
“Our approach needs to stay the same both ways,” he said. “We need to stay consistent and continue to play for each other. Winning isn’t easy, and we are going to come up against the best competition in the state. With this crew, I know we can do it.”
Barton is the first Morgantown baseball player to be named Gatorade West Virginia Baseball Player of the Year since Ryan Fluharty in 2022-23.
