CENTERBURG — Dinger, bomb, tater, jack. Homer, round-tripper, four-bagger, and big fly. “Going yard,” “going deep,” “leaving the yard,” or “touch ’em all.” Moon shot blast, long ball, four-base hit.
Call them what you like, Centerburg senior Abby Herren had a bunch of them this season: 25 home runs to be exact. The quarter-century mark put the Trojan shortstop, headed to Miami of Ohio next fall, alone atop the all-time single-season home run ladder for Ohio high school softball players.
According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, Herren eclipsed the previous record of 23 which was shared by Hayley Griggs, Perrysburg (2025); Gabby Gradishar, Warren Champion (2024); and Carly Wagers, Williamsburg (2017).
“I am very proud of myself for setting the record because it was something I never imagined I would be capable of accomplishing,” Herren said. “Getting close to the record definitely affected me because it added extra pressure, not only to keep winning games but to maintain my stats and continue hitting home runs.”
Herren completed a spectacular season with an incredible .675 batting average, a .755 on-base percentage, and 59 Runs Batted In.
“There are no words to describe what she (Abby) meant to this team,” Centerburg coach Chuck Shank said. “Even when she was chasing the home run record, she was still supporting her teammates and being there for them.
“Abby cares for all of her teammates and would do anything to make them better players.”
Herren led her team with 58 runs scored and 54 hits. She was also second in stolen bases behind Trojans’ speedster Taylor Bryant, who swiped 30 bases. Herren was responsible for 25 thefts.
“More than anything, I was just excited to have my name alongside so many talented softball players I’ve looked up to throughout the years,” Herren said.
She was the catalyst for a fine team. Centerburg finished the season 22-4 after falling to North Union 6-1 in the tournament. That game included Herren’s final home run, a solo shot in the third inning.
At one point, the Trojans were ranked fourth in the state poll, and wound up sixth in the final rankings.
“I have been told that no one can remember Centerburg softball being ranked in the state polls,” Shank said. “We are very pleased with the season. It wasn’t the ending we were hoping for, but overall it was a great season.
“The team played really well, and we faced some tough competition that we thought would prepare us for the tournament. The team should be very proud of what they accomplished.”
The Trojans did earn some hardware. A 9-5 victory over Loudonville in the regular-season finale gave Centerburg a share of the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference championship with Danville.
Morgan Beaver posted a 2.66 Earned Run Average to top the squad, while Lydia Gribben sported .985 fielding percentage. Jazmyn Larrimore led the Trojans with 20 doubles.
Abby Herren rounds third and heads for home during a Centerburg softball game at East Knox earlier this season. (Photo by Cheryl Splain)
What does the future hold for the state’s newest home run champ?
“Next, I will be finishing my final summer traveling with the Ohio Outlaws,” she said.
According to its website, the Ohio Outlaws are a highly competitive girls’ fastpitch travel softball organization based in Ohio with the mission to give players the opportunity to fully develop their softball skills in a positive environment.
Then she’ll be off to the Mid-American Conference to play for the Red Hawks.