Four Polk County baseballers earn Hot Stove Dinner nominations

Four Polk County baseball players have been named finalists for Blue Ridge Hot Stove League awards.

Senior Gunnar Alm was named a finalist for player of the year, and senior Noah Harden earned a pitcher of the year nomination. Sophomore Nate Fagan was selected as a 2028 Rising Star finalist, and freshman Gavin Waldbillig received a 2029 Rising Star nomination.

Award winners will be announced at the third annual Blue Ridge Hot Stove Dinner on Jan. 31 in Morganton.

The Hot Stove League Dinner recognizes top baseball and softball players and scholars. Originating in Charlotte more than a decade ago, the Hot Stove League expanded in 2024 to the Blue Ridge area, with counties including Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.