Coupeville Sports

   Josh Poole gets ready to fire some heat in his debut as a Wolf pitcher. (Shelli Trumbull photo)

Some baseball players fret about missing a bunt sign or muffing a grounder.

For Josh Poole, any moment on the baseball field is something to be celebrated. Great play or error, he’s just grateful for the opportunity.

Having come from an abusive home and been homeless, the Coupeville High School senior is embracing his new life.

“I started playing (baseball) because I’ve had a rough past and it feels like I’m part of a family, especially at CHS,” Poole said.

Dumped on the street by a father he says was abusive, Poole eventually got help, for which he is grateful.

“I registered myself into school, because education is number one, with help from Ryan’s House Youth Shelter and a big thanks to Julie Jansen,” Poole said. “Mr. (Tom) Black has helped me through the hard times and keeping my head on straight.”

Baseball has given him an outlet, and while this is his first season as a Wolf, he has found himself welcomed by his new team.

“There is a lot I enjoy about baseball, mostly being a part of a team as great as CHS,” Poole said. “My strengths are mainly my hustle.

“I do need work on my batting at times; my goals for the season are being a great role model and having a winning season.”

A country music fan, he plans to enter the military after graduation.

Poole has already made an impact on his new baseball family, with Coupeville coach Willie Smith taking a strong liking to his newest player.

“He’s been doing a great job in baseball,” Smith said. “He’s worked extremely hard and is a very likable young man.

“It sounds like he’s had a heck of a family life but he’s pretty determined to change the direction he’s headed and I’m impressed by what I’ve seen in his work ethic and attitude, which will go a long ways to get him to where he wants to get to.”