Monroe's Carson Liedel among top baseball players in the Region

Carson Liedel has played just two seasons of high school baseball.

He already is ticketed for the big time.

Liedel, who will soon begin his junior year at Monroe, already has committed to play Division 1 college baseball at Auburn.

He has been an All-Region selection the last two years.

Liedel hit .356 with 28 RBIs and was 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA on the mound as a freshman, then followed that up hitting .355 last season while posting a 5-1 pitching record with a 2.11 ERA and 67 strikeouts.

“Carson is one of top pitchers in the state,” said Monroe’s new coach David Forgach.

But Liedel is more than just a pitcher.

“Carson is an outstanding baseball player who will be a top of the lineup hitter and a strong defender up the middle,” said Forgach, who plans to use Liedel as a shortstop and centerfielder when he is not on the mound.

Liedel is one of many outstanding baseball players in the Monroe County Region. Here are others to watch during the 2025 season.

They are listed in alphabetical order with comments from their coaches.

Luke Beaudrie, Jefferson, sophomore, cf: Made the All-Region team last spring after hitting .483 with 46 stolen bases last year. “Plays a nice centerfield and is our catalyst on offense.”

Ty Bergeron, Flat Rock, sophomore, 1b: Led the Rams with a .365 batting average as a freshman. “Arguably the best defensive first baseman in the Huron League. We are expecting him to build upon his standout freshman season.”

Jaxin Betts, Jefferson, senior, p-u: Hit .256 and stole 19 bases last spring. “He toes the rubber in our biggest games and plays every position on the field.”

Jace Bloomer, Bedford, senior, ss: Leads the defense for the Mules and batted .286 with 30 hits, 11 doubles and 22 runs.

Joey Brink, Dundee, senior, c: Hit .340 from the lead-off spot last season and led the team with 40 hits and 21 stolen bases. “His defensive work behind the plate was stellar.”

Collin Brooks, Erie Mason, senior, cf-p: Won five games and struck out 38 in 30 innings last year while hitting .365 with 26 runs and 16 steals. “Last year was our lead-off hitter and centerfielder, but will probably bat in the three spot this year to try and drive in more runs.”

Cameron Cole, SMCC, junior, p: Posted a 5-1 record with a 1.10 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 2024. “Our top returning pitcher leading us in wins, innings pitched, ERA and strikeouts.”

Tyler Dafoe, Summerfield, senior, if: A versatile defender and a threat on the bases. “He’s a great athlete and will be successful wherever we put him. He led the team in stolen bases last year and always finds a way to make things happen on the basepaths.”

Kirk Demars, Milan, senior, cf-p: Carried a 2.45 ERA last season. “His ability to attack hitters and get ahead early in the count will make him deadly.”

Cameron Dessellier, Milan, sophomore, p-1b: Recorded 43 strikeouts in 42 innings as a freshman. “His ability to pound the zone and command multiple pitches make him a hitter's worst nightmare.”

Tre Eitniear, Whiteford, sophomore, p-ss: Burst on the scene by hitting .364 with a 6-2-1 pitching record last season. “Had a great freshman season.”

Bret Gennoe, Jefferson, sophomore, if-p: Had his freshman season shortened by injury, but hit .492 with 12 RBIs. “Great athlete, can play anywhere and has bright future.”

Isaac Garrow, Bedford, senior, p-of: Was the leading hitter for the Mules last season, putting together a .340 average with 36 hits, 11 RBIs and 30 runs. Also carried a 2.59 ERA.

Mikey Giroux, Flat Rock, senior p-ss: Slumped a bit with the bat last spring, but continued to play solid defense. “Looks to bounce back in a big way on the mound and at the plate in 2025.”

Reece Kalb, Summerfield, junior, utility: “Reece can play every position on the field and is very good at all of them. …  He’s a great leader and makes everyone around him better.”

Joe Krolak, Gibraltar Carlson, senior, of-p: Made the All-Region team last season when he hit .403 and scored 27 runs. “Did a great job in right field and on the mound for us last year. … Expecting him to lead us this year as he did on the football field.”

Gunnar Kruise, Milan, senior, 3b-ss-p: Hit .327 last season and was a standout defender. Will do more pitching this spring. “I expect Gunnar to be one of the best infielders in the region.”

Bryce Lechner, Monroe, senior, of-p: Committed to Owens Community College. “Bryce is a strong outfielder with great speed, range and a strong arm. Bryce is an outstanding baseball player with excellent leadership skills and tremendous work ethic.”

Quinton Lephew, Dundee, senior, 1b-p: Had a 5-1 record on the mound in 2024 and carried a .307 batting average in 2024.

Brody Leonhard, Bedford, junior, of: Batted .323 with 31 hits, 8 doubles, 18 RBIs and 14 runs last spring.

Lukas Linzell, SMCC, junior, c: The Falcons should be solid again behind the plate despite losing All-Region catcher Drew Bylow to graduation. “Will be one of the top catchers in the Region.”

Matthew MacBride, Gibraltar Carlson, senior, of: Anchors the outfield defense for Carlson in centerfield. “Never worried about a ball hit to center because he was going to catch it. Did a great job at the plate also being our leadoff hitter for entire season.” 

Jaxon Millican, Ida, senior, p-1b: Went 7-4 with 89 strikeouts and a 2.20 ERA last spring. “Jaxon has worked extremely hard to take his game to the next level this year. Has picked up almost 10 mph from a dominate pitching campaign last year.”

Cash Moczydlowsky, New Boston Huron, sophomore, p-ss: Made the All-Region team as a freshman when he went 5-0 with a 1.21 ERA and carried a .300 batting average.

Casey Monroe, Airport, senior, p-if: Won all four of his decisions last year with a 1.12 ERA and hit .255. “Casey stepped up to pitch in some of our most important games and also provided solid defense at second base.”

Anderson Moore, Erie Mason, junior, in-p: “Will be our primary shortstop when not on the mound.” Hit .250 in 2024 with 17 RBIs,16 runs, 17 walks and 9 stolen bases and carried a 3.66 ERA with 41 strikeouts.

Brenden Myshock, Summerfield, senior, 1b: Four-year varsity player who led the Bulldogs last spring with 19 RBIs. “He’s a solid defensive first baseman and has helped our infielders tremendously.”

Gavin O’Hara, New Boston Huron, senior, p: Crafted a 5-1 record last spring with 49 strikeouts.

Cam Riggs, Ida, junior, utility: Batted .326 with 20 RBIs last spring. “Ready to have a huge season for us. Cam has worked all offseason to put himself in a position to be great.”

Brennan Runyon, SMCC, senior, 1b-p: Made the All-Region team last spring after leading the Falcons in batting average (.422), doubles (13) and RBIs (22). Also a strong pitcher.

Kyle Salisbury, Gibraltar Carlson, junior, if-p: Played shortstop and second base last spring and was the No. 2 pitcher for the Marauders. “Excited for how much he has grown looking for big things from him this year.”

Asher Simmons, Monroe, sophomore, c-p-u: Already one of the Region’s top catchers, he will get more action on the mound this season. “Asher is a super athletic player with great versatility on defense. … He has D1 talent.”

Carter Smith, Airport, senior, p-1b: Went 3-1 with a 1.01 ERA last year and hit .265. “Carter will be expected to help lead us this year in all facets of the game.”

Owen Snyder, Ida, junior, if-p: Crafted an 8-1 record with a 0.81 ERA on the mound in 2024. “Owen is an absolute maestro on the mound. He isn't going to overpower you but can pinpoint any of his three pitches at any time.”

Nate Stevens, Whiteford, senior, p-if: Earned All-State recognition last spring with a 9-0 record on the mound.

Karter Stubleski, Erie Mason, senior, in-p: Hit .395 with 16 RBIs, 26 runs scored and 17 stolen bases and carried a 3.27 ERA last season. “Defensively played a really good middle infield for us last year, this season will see more time behind the plate when not on the mound.”

Jackson Surma, New Boston Huron, sophomore, 3b: Was co-MVP for his team and earned a spot on the All-Region team as a freshman when he hit .381 with 33 RBIs.

Dean Thomas, Ida, senior, p-3b: Back after missing most of last season with a knee injury. “Dean is ready to have a huge senior season for us offensively, defensively and on the mound.”

Jayden Yancey, Flat Rock, junior, if-p: Led Flat Rock as a sophomore in ERA (1.77), wins (7) and strikeouts (88). “Will be a crucial part of the Rams success in 2025.”

Ryan Zanger, Dundee, senior, ss-p: A four-year starter who also is a star for the football and basketball teams. Batted .345 last season with 27 RBIs and carried a 1.06 ERA.