Korbin Korzan and baseball: a love affair. (Shelli Trumbull photo)
Korzan and Coupeville’s favorite Belgian import, Iris Ryckaert.
Baseball love started early.
Korbin Korzan is part of an elite baseball fraternity.
Regardless of what else he may accomplish during his playing days, the Coupeville High School sophomore will always be a state champ first and foremost. A key member of the Central Whidbey Junior Little League squad that reigned supreme in the summer of 2010, he will always have those memories.
“Going to Medical Lake and winning the state tournament is definitely my biggest baseball career highlight!,” Korzan said. “Our 2010 season was a great journey from February to August.”
Korzan, also a standout football player for the Wolves who has put on some serious muscle in the off-season, will always give his heart to baseball. He started young (first playing little league ball as a first-grader), and his love for the game springs from his close relationship with his dad, Mark.
“I started playing because I always loved playing catch with my dad,” Korzan said. “If I had to choose one single person that has made the biggest impact on my life, it would be my dad.
“He is the one who has taught me everything I know about sports today!,” he added. “If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t even know how to throw a baseball. He always pushes me to do my best and is always there to support my decisions.”
Part of a tight-knit family (he also credits mom Kristi and big sister Britnie as having a strong, positive impact on his life), Korzan has also bridged cultural differences between countries, dating Belgian foreign exchange student Iris Ryckaert.
“I love hanging out with my friends — Iris, Riley Boyd and Bryce Fleming — and family,” Korzan said.
When he’s not in the CHS weight room, he can be found out blasting away on a dirt bike. But, when baseball beckons, almost everything else has to take secondary status.
“I love the whole atmosphere and intensity of baseball,” Korzan said. “There is no time limit in baseball and the game is never over until the last out!”
After spending most of his early career shuttling between first base and the mound, the hard-throwing Korzan moved into left field last season at the suggestion of Wolf coach Willie Smith.
While he still splits pitching duties with other hurlers such as Aaron Trumbull and Aaron Curtin, having his cannon in the outfield launching throws to Jake Tumblin behind the plate makes most base-runners hesitate when it comes to thinking about taking an extra base.
Not content to rest on his previous accomplishments, Korzan would love to add a few more shining moments to his personal baseball highlight reel. To that end, he is constantly looking to fine-tune his already formidable skills.
“I think my strength is how hard and accurately I can throw, but there is always room for improvement.”
