Prep Baseball Wisconsin Pitcher of the Week: Ira Hilbelink
April 9, 2025
After multiple strong pitching performances were turned in over the first week of action, RHP/INF/OF Ira Hilbelink (Cedar Grove-Belgium, 2027) put together a dominant performance on opening day.
On Tuesday, the Rockets opened the season against Ozaukee with Hilbelink slated to start on the mound. Only needing 70 pitches to get through 16 batters in a 10-0 victory, Hilbelink struck out 14 of those batters, issuing one walk while only one opposing batter put a ball in play. It’s also worth noting that 48 of Hilbelink’s 70 pitches were strikes to go along with 17 swings and misses.
The sophomore is one of the best players in the state’s sophomore class with two-way upside at the next level, also a middle of the order bat for Cedar Grove-Belgium driving in four RBIs on the week after going 2-for-5 with a home run and two walks. Defensively, Hilbelink is a versatile defender that can play multiple spots in both the infield and the outfield. On the mound, Hilbelink routinely pounds the zone with his entire arsenal, reaching 90 mph with his fastball and showing two complimentary secondary pitches including a sharp breaking ball that he throws with confidence.
We're thankful for the POTW submissions we received from the coaches across the state. The players who garnered POTW consideration will earn a place within tomorrow's Diamond Notes story, so be on the lookout for that.
Scouting Report
+ Hilbelink showcased an athletic and strong 5-foot-11, 188-pound frame. At the plate, the right-hander takes a natural and controlled path through the baseball, finding the barrel consistently with ease. Feel to elevate was evident as was the impact, averaging 91.7 mph reaching a peak of 99.5 mph on the round. On the mound, his fastball topped 90 mph. He features heavy spin on his curveball with fell for the zone, and his changeup played with heavy fading action. He operates with a quick tempo and a powerful, explosive lower half.