Charlie Sarsfield’s reputation in Iowa high school baseball has been building for years. Now the Linn-Mar junior has the hardware to match it.
Sarsfield was recently announced as the Gatorade Iowa High School Baseball Player of the Year, adding another major line to a résumé that already stretches back to his days as a four-year starter.
The University of Arkansas commit has been a force for Linn-Mar, and his sophomore season helped push the Lions into a Class 4A Iowa High School Athletic Association substate championship game. That year, he hit .435 with three home runs, 27 RBI, 40 runs scored and a 1.272 OPS.
His profile has grown well beyond the state line, too. Sarsfield is ranked in the Top 60 for the Class of 2027 by Perfect Game and was named a 2026 Perfect Game Preseason All-Central Region Underclass All-American. He also earned MVP honors at the 2024 Perfect Game WWBA World Junior Championships.
“Charlie is an absolute game-changer,” Iowa City Liberty head baseball coach Uby Martinez said. “Any ball hit in his direction in the air is an out. He is probably the most feared hitter in our league because he hits for power, average and he’s an absolute menace on the bases.
“He’s been a starter in the outfield since eighth grade and he’s been a problem for opposing teams ever since then. He is definitely a five-tool player and, in my opinion, the best player in the state.”
Sarsfield’s impact isn’t limited to the diamond. He carries a 3.3 grade point average and volunteers locally by conducting bible study sessions at his local church. He also gives his time as a youth baseball coach and through his local Legion Hall, where he helps distribute meals to veterans.
This season, he’s hitting .479 with three home runs, nine doubles, three triples, 24 RBI and 37 runs scored.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program honors one state winner in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C. across 12 sports, including baseball. In all, 610 high school athletes are recognized each year, with one national winner chosen in each sport from the state winners. The selection process is run by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which uses input from coaches, scouts, media and others.
Each Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. Gatorade says the program has now provided more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.
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