VIRGINIA BEACH — Prior to this season, First Colonial High hadn’t won a state title since 1993.
All of the players in the program knew this, including junior outfielder/first baseman Keegan Haesler.
He set out to change it.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound outfielder and first baseman did just that as he hit .486 with 47 hits, 34 runs, 24 stolen bases and 22 RBIs to help lead the Patriots to their first state title in 31 years. He also had a .565 on-base percentage with 14 walks, 12 doubles, two triples and two home runs.
“Keegan is one of the best players I have ever coached,” said Patriots coach Scott Stubbe. “He is a great teammate and constant leader on the field. He competes at the highest level in all parts of the game on offense, defense and on the bases. I’m not sure if we win the state title this year without him. My coaches and I constantly talk about how invaluable he is to our team and would be on any team.”
Haesler is First Colonial’s first All-Tidewater Baseball Player of the Year since Frank Berry in 2006.
Other coaches also knew how important Haesler was to the Patriots as he was named the Class 5 Player of the Year and the Class 5 Region A Player of the Year.
Stubbe said he hopes this season will help Haesler and his son, Wes, get more interest from colleges.
“He and Wes are both still uncommitted,” he said. “I hope this year gets them more attention. They both can help a lot of programs.”
Stubbe said Haesler really turned things around during the Patriots’ playoff push.
“He had big hits for us all year, including nine two-out RBIs,” Stubbe said. “He hit .545 over the last 10 games. His defensive versatility and baserunning skills helped make us a better team. And whether he is at first base or in the outfield, his defense often ends up being a game-changer. We also wouldn’t be where we are without him.”
Haesler’s career totals include a .403 batting average, 59 runs, 34 RBIs and 37 stolen bases.
The good news for Stubbe and the Patriots is they will have Haesler for another season.
“He is a top-notch person, great character,” Stubbe said about Haesler, who also plays basketball for the Patriots and has a 3.5 grade-point average. “I can’t say enough (about him).”
All-Tidewater Baseball Players of the Year
2024 – Keegan Haesler, First Colonial
2023 – Tanner Schaedel, Cape Henry
2022 – Clay Grady, Nansemond River
2021 – Ethan Ott, Greenbrier Christian
2020 – Season canceled due to pandemic
2019 – Mason Dunaway, Hickory
2018 – Danny Connolly, Ocean Lakes
2017 – Hunter Gregory, Hickory
2016 – Michael Blanchard, Nansemond River
2015 – Connor Eason, Hickory
2014 – Zach Rutherford, Western Branch
2013 – Connor Jones, Great Bridge
2012 – Mitch Moynihan, Kellam
2011 – Justin Lee, Great Bridge
2010 – Nick Thompson, Western Branch
2009 – Chris Taylor, Cox
2008 – Gary Ward, Hickory
2007 – Neil Ramirez, Kempsville
2006 – Frank Berry, First Colonial
2005 – Justin Upton, Great Bridge
2004 – Justin Upton, Great Bridge
2003 – J.D. Wyatt, Great Bridge
2002 – B.J. Upton, Greenbrier Christian
2001 – David Wright, Hickory
2000 – Kurt Isenberg, First Colonial
1999 – Kurt Isenberg, First Colonial
1998 – Thom Ott, Greenbrier Christian
1997 – Mike Cuddyer, Great Bridge
1996 – Jason Dubois, Cox
1995 – Chris Elmore, Green Run
1994 – Jimmy Anderson, Western Branch
1993 – Nathan Thomas, First Colonial
