Hoover Gibsonburg strikeout king

Every strikeout for the rest of Nolan Hoover's high school career builds on Gibsonburg's program record.

Hoover is a junior. He struck out nine Wednesday in a 5-1 setback to New Riegel in the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.

He surpassed 1990 graduate Scott Widmer (293) and finished with 295 career strikeouts. Widmer was there to watch and spoke with Hoover after the game.

"It's awesome I got to meet him on the day I broke the record," Hoover said.

Baseball Hoover puts everything together on mound for Gibsonburg

Hoover (5-2) had six strikeouts when he checked in with Gibsonburg coach Kyle Rase for an update in the middle of the game. He knew how close he was to the mark.

"I was a little bit anxious, earlier (Wednesday) I was thinking about it," he said. "I had to block it out. I just wanted the ball I struck him out with."

Hoover has 75 strikeouts in 46⅔ innings this season. He struck out 116 in 72⅓ innings last season and was second-team all-state.

Rase is most impressed with Hoover's work ethic.

"He's very dedicated and he's put in a lot of work to get to this point," Rase said. "He's passionate about baseball."

He stands out, at 5-foot-9, because of the traits he puts together.

"It's a lot of things combined," Rase said. "He has very good control. He keeps hitters off balance. He's not predictable, which is important for a pitcher."

Jim Hoover was disappointed he was unable to see his son's game in person. He's made plenty of sacrifices for Hoover's career, plus he was there in spirit.

"I wish he was here," Hoover said. "Even though he wasn't here physically, he was still with me. Both Jesus and my dad are always in my heart. I also want to thank my mother (Deanna Hoover) for her support in everything I do."

Hoover got a text from Jim right before the game: I love you Nolan. And I'm so proud of you. My heart is with you today. Have a blast today.

Deanna was there, along with several more who anticipated the milestone. Hoover tossed the game ball to the dugout after his strikeout and Rase gave it to Hoover after the game.

"As always, all glory to Jesus," Hoover said. "He has blessed me with talents and I want all glory going back to Him."

Hoover is proud of himself. He won't be counting his strikeouts to finish his career.

"It's all just stats," he said. "Everything is always changing on the field. You have to look past (stats). It's a cool accolade that I can carry for a long time, at least know I once had that. What I wanted more than the record was to win.

"I still wanted the record; I always want to shoot high and aim for success. Records and accomplishments are cool, but when it comes down to it winning is most important. That's what I want."

mhorn@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: OHSAA Gibsonburg Golden Bears baseball Nolan Hoover