Bob Jones pitcher quickly moving up the ranks among the elite players in Alabama

Senior Josh Wilhide is a standout on the mound and at the plate for the Patriots baseball team.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:01pm

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Bob Jones senior pitcher Josh Wilhide is quickly establishing himself as one of the top players in Alabama. The 6-foot, 215-pound right-hander has a fastball that reaches 90 mph and a repertoire of four additional pitches. Wilhide is also a standout in the weight room, holding team records in the squat, bench press, and total weight. At the plate, he's batting .290 with 3 home runs and 3 doubles so far this season. Despite his impressive credentials, Wilhide remains uncommitted to a college program, though his head coach believes he's a steal for any school that lands him.

Why it matters

Wilhide's rapid rise as a dominant two-way player for Bob Jones highlights the depth of talent in Alabama high school baseball. As a senior, he's drawing interest from colleges across the Southeast, showcasing his potential to play at the next level. His story also underscores the value of strength and conditioning, as Wilhide's work in the weight room has translated to success on the field.

The details

In addition to his prowess on the mound, Wilhide is a standout in the weight room, holding team records in the squat (550 lbs), bench press (325 lbs), and total weight (1,160 lbs). He began lifting weights at a young age, inspired by his older brother Jacob. Wilhide's diverse pitch repertoire, which includes an off-speed pitch, slider, curveball, and splitter, has helped him post a 1.79 ERA and .096 opponent batting average so far this season. At the plate, he's batting .290 with 3 home runs and 3 doubles.

  • So far this season for the Patriots, Wilhide is 2-0 with a 1.79 ERA.
  • At the Alabama PBR Kickoff Classic, Wilhide hit a deep centerfield two-run homer in a Bob Jones 14-3 win over Central-Phoenix and was the winning pitcher in a 7-3 win over Thompson.
  • In the Perfect Game USA Showdown, Wilhide was recognized as Most Valuable Pitcher for his six-inning performance in Bob Jones' 12-0 victory over Westbrook Christian Academy.
  • In the Madison City Classic versus Hazel Green, Wilhide was the starting pitcher and pitched five innings with 10 strikeouts. He also provided a two-run homer at the plate.

The players

Josh Wilhide

A 6-foot, 215-pound senior right-handed pitcher and outfielder for the Bob Jones baseball team. He is the team's No. 1 pitcher and record holder in off-season weightlifting.

Jared Smith

The head coach of the Bob Jones baseball program.

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What they’re saying

“Joshua has really stepped up so far this season as one of our best overall players. He has always been a really good pitcher but has now become an offensive threat who is hitting in the middle of the order with 3 home runs in 13 games so far.”

— Jared Smith, Head coach, Bob Jones baseball program

“I am very surprised that he is still uncommitted at this point. A college is going to get a steal on Joshua.”

— Jared Smith, Head coach, Bob Jones baseball program

What’s next

Wilhide is hoping to earn a scholarship to play in the Southeastern Conference after two years at a junior college program.

The takeaway

Wilhide's combination of elite pitching, power hitting, and strength training make him one of the top high school baseball players in Alabama. His story highlights the depth of talent in the state and the value of a well-rounded approach to the game.