Ira Hilbelink, a junior from Cedar Grove-Belgium High School, has been named the Division 3 Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association. Hilbelink posted an impressive .557 batting average, with 36 RBIs, six home runs, and a slugging percentage of 1.023. He led the team in steals with 29 and maintained a stellar on-base percentage of .655. Despite being a standout performer, Hilbelink prioritized team success, leading the Rockets to a Division 3 championship.

By the Numbers
  • Hilbelink hit .557 for the season with 57 runs scored and struck out just twice in 88 at-bats.
  • On the mound, Hilbelink had an 8-1 record with an ERA of 1.65 and struck out 96 batters in 55 innings.
Yes, But

While Hilbelink received accolades, his head coach Tom Race faced criticism for scheduling tough nonconference opponents that risked his star player's individual honors. Hilbelink's selflessness in aiming for team victory over personal accolades complicates the narrative of individual recognition in team sports.

State of Play
  • The Rockets finished the season with a 23-5 record, having won the Division 3 state championship.
  • Despite losing key seniors, the team retains the top five hitters in their lineup for the next season.
What's Next

Hilbelink is committed to playing for the University of Minnesota but will focus on another high school season before the potential MLB draft next summer. Expectations are high for him to further develop his skills, especially in the weight room.

Bottom Line

Ira Hilbelink's remarkable skills and team-first mentality not only earned him personal accolades but also contributed significantly to his team's success. His performance sets a high standard for future players and exemplifies the impact of prioritizing team achievements over individual recognition.