Lewis County Trio Tapped for Missouri All-Star Baseball Game
HANNIBAL, MO — One more game. One more shot to wear the high school colors and show what they’ve got. The annual Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Baseball Game is almost here, and three Lewis County seniors are ready to suit up for Team Missouri.
Johnathan Hager and Anthony Walter of Highland, along with Brett Ehrenreich of Canton, were selected to represent Missouri in the senior showcase, which features top talent from Northeast Missouri and West Central Illinois. The game will be played Saturday, July 12 at Veterans Field in Hannibal, with first pitch set for 7 p.m.
Johnathan Hager – Highland
Hager wrapped up his senior season as one of Highland’s most reliable bats. He posted a .393 average and a .500 on-base percentage, collecting 22 hits, including six doubles and a home run. He drove in 11 runs and scored 19 himself.
In the field, he manned the shortstop position with 48 putouts and a .909 fielding percentage, contributing solid defense up the middle.
Hager is headed to State Technical College of Missouri this fall.
Reflecting on the honor, Hager said:
“It feels great being able to go represent my school one last time. I just feel truly blessed for the opportunity — especially being able to go out and play with the guys I grew up playing against.
It’s awesome being recognized, but for me, it’s not really about that. It’s about showing my friends and teammates that I’m a hard worker, and I wanted to rub that off on the younger guys coming up in the program. I remember dreaming about being part of a team like this. Getting the chance to do it is just a true blessing — one last hurrah before hanging up the cleats.”
Anthony Walter – Highland
Walter was a steady presence behind the plate for Highland this spring. He recorded 49 putouts and a .957 fielding percentage, while throwing out 10 runners and adding 4 pickoffs. At the plate, he batted .241 with a .349 OBP, collecting 13 hits, including 2 doubles and a triple, and driving in 7 runs.
Walter is set to attend Missouri Baptist University.
Though an injury will keep him from playing in the All-Star game, he’ll still be there on the Missouri side, taking it all in.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent Highland and the state of Missouri in the All-Star game,” Walter said. “All the hard work, time, and effort I’ve put in on the field is paying off, and it means a lot to be recognized for that. I’m proud to represent my school and community, and I’m excited to compete alongside some of the best players in the state.”
Brett Ehrenreich – Canton
Ehrenreich brought power to the middle of Canton’s lineup during his senior season. He finished with a .280 batting average and a .429 OBP, tallying 14 hits, including three doubles and four home runs. He drove in 22 runs and scored 9.
In the field, he spent most of his time at first base, recording 38 putouts with a .951 fielding percentage.
Ehrenreich remains undecided on his post-graduation plans but will join the Missouri squad for one more game in a Tigers uniform.
Rosters
The All-Star game offers a fitting sendoff — a chance for three Lewis County standouts to cap their high school careers with one more shared moment on the diamond.
