St. Augustine Prep’s Alex Weingartner Named 2025-26 Gatorade New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year

St. Augustine Prep senior Alex Weingartner has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year, becoming one of the most decorated baseball players in program history and earning one of the highest individual honors in high school athletics.

Presented annually to the nation’s top high school student-athletes, the Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes excellence on the field, in the classroom, and within the community. Since its inception in 1985, the award has celebrated some of the most accomplished athletes in the country, including many who have gone on to successful collegiate and professional careers.

For Weingartner, the recognition is the result of years of hard work and an exceptional senior season that has placed him among the elite players in New Jersey and the country.

“It’s definitely a cool award,” Weingartner told NJ.com. “I’m super proud of myself, but it definitely didn’t just take me. There are a lot of people that helped me get to this point.”

A Penn State University commit and projected early-round selection in July’s Major League Baseball Draft, Weingartner has established himself as one of the state’s premier two-way players.

Heading into postseason play, the senior captain is batting .512 with 42 hits, seven doubles, one triple, six home runs, 32 RBI, and 43 runs scored while reaching base at an impressive rate from the top of the Hermits lineup. His offensive consistency has been a driving force behind another successful season for St. Augustine Prep Baseball.

Equally dominant on the mound, Weingartner owns a 5-1 record with a 1.02 ERA in 34.1 innings pitched. He has struck out 64 batters while issuing just 11 walks, showcasing the command and competitiveness that have made him one of the most sought-after players in the region.

His ability to impact the game in every facet — as a pitcher, center fielder, and middle-of-the-order bat — helped separate him from a talented field of candidates across New Jersey.

“We’re very happy for him,” said St. Augustine Prep Head Coach Mike Ney. “I’ve said all along, as good of an athlete and baseball player as he is, Alex is an even better person. To see all of the hard work pay off with something at the level like this is a great accomplishment.”

“At this level, what Alex does on both sides is probably what set him apart.”

The Gatorade Player of the Year program evaluates candidates not only on athletic performance but also on academic achievement and exemplary character. Weingartner’s leadership, work ethic, and commitment to representing St. Augustine Prep with humility and professionalism have made him a respected figure among teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

Despite receiving statewide recognition, Weingartner remains focused on the team’s goals as the Hermits continue their postseason run.

“There’s still some baseball to play,” Weingartner said. “We want to keep that streak alive and play in the state final. That’s the goal.”

For St. Augustine Prep, the honor adds another chapter to the rich tradition of Hermits Baseball and serves as a testament to the program’s continued excellence. More importantly, it reflects the type of young man the Prep strives to develop — a student-athlete who excels in competition while embodying the Augustinian values of truth, unity and love.