Keegan Thompson has just finished his sophomore year at Cullman High. But already his name is alongside those of some truly famous baseball players, including Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Roy Halladay and Derek Lee.

Wednesday, Thompson was awarded the 2010-11 Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year, becoming the first Bearcat to win the honor.

The above-listed Major League Baseball stars won the same honor in their home states while in high school.

“I grew up watching those guys play and now to see my name listed with them, that’s pretty cool,” Thompson said. “I didn’t even know I was nominated until coach (Brent Patterson) told me I had won it (Wednesday morning).”

The award brings Thompson a trophy and banner.

This is the 26th year for the award, which recognizes athletic excellence as well as academic achievement and exemplary character, on and off the field.

Thompson finished with a 9-2 pitching record and a 1.70 ERA, helping Cullman (45-11) make the state finals. He recorded 123 strikeouts and only 16 walks in 82.2 innings.

When not pitching, Thompson played right field. He batted .433 with 66 RBIs, 17 home runs and 15 doubles, good for a .940 slugging percentage and a .525 on-base percentage.

He was an honorable mention all-state selection as a freshman.

“He’s the best player in the state,” said William Booth, head coach of rival Hartselle High. “He throws 92-93 miles per hour, bats cleanup and plays right field for one of the best teams in the state. I watched him pitch against Madison County in the first round of the state tournament, and he struck out 15 of the 16 batters he faced. He’s only a sophomore, but he’s outstanding.”

Thompson has maintained a 3.52 grade point average and volunteers as a youth baseball instructor.

Winning the state award makes Thompson a finalist for the National Player of the Year Award which will be announced later this month.

“That would be really nice, to win that one,” he said. “I’m not sure how I would react.”

Last year’s Alabama winner was Daryl Norris of Fairhope. Two years ago, Luke Bole of Hartselle won.

Stan Veitch can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 258 or at stanv@cullmantimes.com.