Pocono Mountain East High School junior Alexander Stirr has been named the 2026 Pocono Record baseball Hitter of the Year, as voted by seven Pocono-area coaches.
The Bloomsburg University commit started 23 games for the Cardinals, posting a . 469 batting average, .
766 slugging percentage, and . 585 on-base percentage.
He recorded 27 hits, seven doubles, three triples, two home runs, and 23 RBIs.
Stirr missed most of his sophomore season due to injury.
"It's incredibly humbling knowing that there were a lot of great hitters in the area this year," Stirr told the Pocono Record.
"I've worked really hard on my approach at the plate and my consistency throughout the season. But I know this is just motivation to keep working and improving."
The junior infielder credited his family and teammates for his development. "I want to thank my parents and brothers, of course.
My brothers played in college, so it's nice to talk to them after games.
I also want to thank my teammates who pushed me every day in practice and had my back all season long," Stirr added.
Head coach Matt DelGiudice praised Stirr's expanded offensive capabilities. "It was fun to watch Xander this year and see all of his hard work pay off.
He has worked extremely hard on his offensive approach and on learning how to use all fields," DelGiudice said.
"He has always had pull-side power, but this year he really focused on his swing path and driving balls backside for extra-base hits.
He was also one of the toughest players to strike out in the conference and did a great job of adjusting his approach from pitch to pitch."
DelGiudice noted Stirr's high expectations and coachability. "Xander is highly critical of himself, which stems from the high expectations he sets.
It is genuinely enjoyable to coach him because of how respectful and coachable he is."
The coach added that Stirr's leadership will benefit the program.
"I'm incredibly proud of the player he has developed into and the leadership role he assumed this year, which will pay huge dividends going into his senior season."
Stirr expressed mutual appreciation for DelGiudice. "Coach DelGiudice is top-notch and the most supportive coach I have ever had.
What I respect most about him is how he balances being demanding with being supportive. It's a culture now.
He pushes every player to reach their potential but still keeps an eye on team goals."
Pocono Mountain East finished the season 15-8, winning the EPC North title and reaching the EPC and District 11 5A playoffs.
