CORONA – While Corona may officially sit outside the Temecula and Murrieta area, Seth Hernandez’s recent honor has made him a regional name to watch. The Corona High School baseball standout was surprised on Thursday with the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year trophy, cementing his position as one of the most exciting young players in the country.
The award, presented by former MLB player Dexter Fowler, caught Hernandez completely off guard. “I woke up thinking it was just another regular day,” Hernandez said. “I had no idea something like this was coming. Seeing my family, teammates, and coaches there to celebrate with me made it so special.”
Hernandez is just the fourth Californian to earn this honor in its 40-year history, joining an elite group of Inland Empire athletes like Norco’s Matt Hobgood and Patriot High’s Kyle Skipworth. It’s an accomplishment that resonates deeply with local baseball enthusiasts, as Hernandez himself noted.
“I grew up in the IE,” Hernandez said during the post-ceremony excitement. “Bringing this award back here is incredible. I really hope it shines a light on the amazing athletes we have in this area.”
Dominance on the Mound and Beyond
Hernandez solidified his reputation as a pitching phenom with remarkable numbers during his senior season. The 6-foot-5 right-hander posted a stellar 9-1 record, an eye-popping 0.37 ERA, and racked up 105 strikeouts in just over 53 innings. But Hernandez didn’t stop there. The multi-talented athlete proved just as valuable at the plate, hitting .300 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs.
Over his two seasons at Corona High School, his stats became the stuff of legend. With an 18-1 record, a virtually untouchable 0.51 ERA, and 178 strikeouts in 109 innings, Hernandez became a must-watch presence on the field. Crowds flocked to his games not only for the exciting matchups but also for the dozens of scouts who often packed the stands.
Despite the intense scrutiny from MLB scouts and front-office personnel, Hernandez stayed focused on his team. “Once you’re out there, you block it all out,” he explained. “It’s about playing for your teammates, competing, and doing your best to win. You can’t pitch for the scouts or try to be perfect. You just have to do your job.”
A Bright Future Awaits
Hernandez’s next chapter is set to unfold at Vanderbilt University, one of the top college baseball programs in the country, but that may be put on hold if the MLB Draft calls his name next month. Widely projected as a high draft pick, likely in the first round, he has potentially set himself up for an enviable professional career. The excitement over Hernandez isn’t just about stats. His composure, work ethic, and sheer love for the game make him a player who inspires both teammates and fans.
“Hearing names like Clayton Kershaw, Alex Rodriguez, and Zack Greinke listed as past winners of this award is surreal,” Hernandez said. “To know I’m part of that group is incredible. I hope it opens up more opportunities and attention for other players in our area.”
For baseball fans in Temecula, Murrieta, and beyond, Seth Hernandez isn’t just a name on paper anymore. He represents a connection to greatness, proof that extraordinary talent can emerge from just up the freeway. Complete list includes:
GATORADE NATIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
2025: Seth Hernandez, Corona HS (California)
2024: Konnor Griffin, Jackson Prep (Mississippi)
2023: Max Clark, Franklin Community HS (Indiana)
2022: Brock Porter, St. Mary’s Prep (Michigan)
2021: Dylan Lesko, Buford HS (Georgia)
2020: Jared Kelley, Refugio HS (Texas)
2019: Bobby Witt Jr., Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas)
2018: Ryan Weathers, Loretto HS (Tennessee)
2017: MacKenzie Gore, Whiteville HS (North Carolina)
2016: Kyle Muller, Jesuit College Prep (Texas)
2015: Luken Baker, Oak Ridge HS (Texas)
2014: Justus Sheffield, Tullahoma HS (Tennessee)
2013: Clint Frazier, Loganville HS (Georgia)
2012: Lance McCullers, Jesuit HS (Florida)
2011: Dylan Bundy, Owasso HS (Oklahoma)
2010: Kaleb Cowart, Cook HS (Georgia)
2009: Matt Hobgood, Norco HS (California)
2008: Kyle Skipworth, Patriot HS (California)
2007: Rick Porcello, Seton Hall Prep (New Jersey)
2006: Clayton Kershaw, High Park HS (Texas)
2005: Justin Upton, Great Bridge HS (Virginia)
2004: Mark Rogers, Mt. Ararat HS (Maine)
2003: Chris Lubanksi, Kennedy-Kenrcik HS (Pennsylvania)
2002: Zack Greinke, Apopka HS (Florida)
2001: Casey Kotchman, Seminole HS (Florida)
2000: Jason Stoke, Coppell HS (Texas)
1999: B.J. Garbe, Moses Lake HS (Washington)
1998: Drew Henson, Brighton HS (Michigan)
1997: Darnell McDonald, Cherry Creek HS (Colorado)
1996: Matt White, Waynesboro HS (Pennsylvania)
1995: Chad Hutchinson, Torrey Pines HS (California)
1994: Doug Million, Sarasota HS (Florida)
1993: Alex Rodriguez, Westminster Christian (Florida)
1992: A.J. Hinch, Midwest City HS (Oklahoma)
1991: Brian Barber, Dr. Phillips HS (Florida)
1990: Todd Van Poppel, Martin HS (Texas)
1989: Jeffrey Jackson, Simeon HS (Illinois)
1988: Mark Lewis, Hamilton HS (Ohio)
1987: Willie Banks, St. Anthony HS (New Jersey)
1986: Gary Sheffield, Hillsborough HS (Florida)
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