Coupeville Sports

Matt Hilborn (John Fisken photo)

Matt Hilborn wasted little time.

The Coupeville High School freshman stepped right on the field Monday, starting for the Wolf varsity baseball squad and making an immediate impact in the first game of a new season.

Playing in a one-run game against Sultan, he took the mound in the seventh, after previously playing at third, and set the side down one-two-three to give the Wolves a fighting chance.

His success in his high school debut was the continuation of a long run that started when he first played t-ball at age five.

Hilborn’s dad, Steve, a longtime local coach, got Matt started and he’s come to love the diamond game.

“I enjoy defense mostly and pitching, because baseball is the only sport where you start with the ball on defense,” Hilborn said. “I think my strengths are playing middle infield and third, and also pitching.”

A two-sport athlete at CHS (he also played football in the fall, starring for the JV and getting some snaps and a tackle at the varsity level), he enjoys spending time with friends and chooses gym as his favorite class.

For the moment, he’s intently focused on baseball, and wants to continue to improve on the stellar work he put in Monday.

“I would like to work on hitting,” Hilborn said. “My goals for the season are to play varsity and hit/pitch well.”

He credits his extended family for all chipping in to help make him the player he is fast becoming.

“Shout out to my parents for making me the person I am,” Hilborn said. “They have had a big impact on my baseball career.

“Also my cousin Justin and uncle Charlie helped me get better at baseball.”