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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Billingsley High School’s run through the AHSAA Class 1A state baseball playoffs in 2023 was a true team effort. Hitters up and down the lineup, excellent fielding and a pitching staff with multiple hurlers capable of winning games for the Bears.

However, one player stood out during the season, and to the Alabama Sports Writers Association, enough to win the Class 1A Pitcher of the Year. Sophomore Mason Truesdale was exceptional for Billingsley and thrived in their ace pitcher role.

“He had outstanding stats this season,” Billingsley coach Jeffrey Alexander said. “The hard work and dedication he put in is paying off, and I am really excited and proud of him.”

Truesdale threw 69 innings for the Bears in 2023 and went 9-2 in those games while striking out 76 batters. He gave up 42 hits, 24 walks and only 10 earned runs were charged to the sophomore. His earned run average was 1.01, one of the lowest in Class 1A baseball. Truesdale’s WHIP, or walks and hits per innings pitched, was even more impressive at 0.96.

Truesdale and Billingsley’s season were filled with memorable moments including his perfect game on Feb. 28. The right-hander earned his crowning moment in an 11-0 win over Indian Springs High School.

Alexander said he has not spoken to Truesdale about baseball related things since the season ended, but as a pitcher he wants him to find his third pitch and be able to control it throughout a game.

“He controls the game so well (already), especially being so young,” Alexander said.

Alexander added that he would like to see Truesdale come out next season as a leader for the team not only on the field, but off it as well. He will have a good opportunity to do so as all four players at Billingsley who were selected to the ASWA Class 1A All-State Baseball Team are returning in 2024.