Hobson engineering quite a career for himself

It’s another cool, overcast early spring day with rain soaking the bill of his cap.

But to South Kitsap second baseman Ghryn Hobson, it’s a blessing. Another day spent with a tool in his hands in his favorite place — the outdoors.

On this day, he’s wielding a bat, but it could just as easily be a fishing rod, or a hammer.

During the last three summers, Hobson has helped his uncle build three houses. He has gained an appreciation for civil engineering during the process and hopes to major in that subject next fall at the college he attends.

“It’s kind of cool to see how everything has to be engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds,” he said.

Perhaps the only aspect as powerful as that Monday was the Wolves’ need for a win. They had been shut out in consecutive games against Bellarmine Prep and Olympia. Ricky Johnson, who went 3 for 4 with three RBI, hit a wind-aided home run that coach Jim Fairweather estimated traveled 500 feet to help South win 9-6 Monday at Shelton.

Hobson, who hit a team-high .435 last season, is trying to work through those struggles. He prides himself on hitting the ball to all fields, but admits that he hinders that effort by rolling his top hand at times. That results in slumps.

“I went almost every day and had my dad throwing me the ball,” Hobson said. “The harder you worker, the better you’ll be.”

Fairweather has two players — pitcher Collin Monagle (Washington) and shortstop Brady Steiger (Washington State) — signing with Pac-10 schools. But he’s just as excited to talk about the player he refers to as “a workaholic.”

“He’s probably his own worst critic,” Fairweather said. “Self-doubt sometimes gets in his way. I’m not sure he knows how good he can be.”

Hobson said he might end up at nearby Olympic College. The Rangers feature several former South players, including catcher Todd Dalrymple, pitcher David Hammrich, infielder Tyler Sartor, outfielder Shawn Stayton and pitcher Mitch Williams.

Fairweather said the feedback he has received from former players about their experience at Olympic has been positive. Hobson has heard the same.

“I talk with those guys a lot and I kind of get a lot of info from them,” he said, adding that he hopes to continue playing after two years at a community college. “They like it and I’m pretty sure I’ll like it.”

One adjustment he’ll have to make is not regularly hearing “Ghryn.” His father and uncle also share the name. But the younger Hobson’s middle name is Michael, while his dad is David.

Hobson jokes that he can distinguish which Ghryn his mother is looking for by her tone.

Fairweather hopes he sets it for his team this season as the No. 5 hitter behind Steiger and Monagle. He moved Hobson into that spot after watching several teams avoid pitching to Steiger last year.

“I think we have a chance,” Fairweather said. “We have a fairly murderers-row thing going.”

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

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