Hopkins signs with ESU
MATT HOPKINS delivers a pitch during an appearance for Hutchinson Community College. The KHS alum recently signed to play at Emporia State University. [Photo provided]
One of Kingfisher’s former All-State baseball players has at least two more years to go in his career.
Matt Hopkins recently signed to play baseball at Emporia State University in Kansas.
He recently completed a two-year stint at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kan., where he led the Blue Dragons in earned run average during his sophomore campaign.
The right-hander made 16 appearances in the 2019 season and threw 27 2/3 innings.
During his work, Hopkins surrendered 23 runs, but only five were earned. He struck out 42 batters and only walked 16 while opponents managed to hit just .215 against him.
Hopkins tallied a 1.63 ERA, was 2-1 and picked up a save.
Incidentally, Hopkins also led the team in batting average. He managed a single in his only plate appearance of the season.
The Blue Dragons finished the year 44-21 and advanced to the NJCAA Region VI championship.
Hopkins was one of the biggest factors in the steady rise of Kingfisher’s baseball program during his tenure here.
It was capped off during his senior season in 2017 when KHS set a then-school record for wins when the Jackets finished 30-9.
Hopkins was nearly untouchable on the mound as he recorded a 10-0 record and picked up two saves.
In 61 2/3 innings, Hopkins struck out 103 batters and walked 22 while putting together a minuscule 0.908 ERA.
At the plate, he hit .313 with 25 RBIs and 29 runs scored.
He was named to the OCA All-State team that year, just the third KHS player to earn the designation at the time.