Commitment To Toledo Has Hubbard Staying Close To Home

Matt Hubbard RHP / Perrysburg, OH / 2024

PERRYSBURG - Once an offer came in the decision was easy for Matt Hubbard.

“As soon as I heard from Toledo I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” the Perrysburg High School senior related. “I talked to my parents and decided it was my best option.”

The only other visit made by the 53rd-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in Ohio came from Owens, like Toledo not far from where Hubbard lives in Perrysburg.

“I wanted to stay close to home,” Hubbard explained. “It’s very convenient for me, my whole family lives here and I can save money. I also have teammates going to Toledo.”

Travel coach Josh Bradford is credited with helping connect UT and Hubbard, who went to a camp at Toledo, had talks with the pitching coach throughout the year and was seen in the summer before being asked on a visit.

“I didn’t know if I’d get interest in the first place, but when junior summer rolled around I started to get attention,” Hubbard reflected. “I was relieved when Toledo finally texted me. As soon as they offered I took it within a week. What a relief to be committed, now I can play with stress off.”

Toledo saw a lot of promise in the 6-3 200-pound righty.

“They like my frame and think they can get my velo up,” the 17-year-old noted. “They like my command, that I have a feel for the mound and that I have a will to compete.”

It wasn’t long ago that the idea of playing at the next level materialized.

“I started thinking about it sophomore year,” Hubbard said. “I always thought about college baseball, but wasn’t sure it was a reality until sophomore year. I was either going to go to college or straight to a trade, but I started lifting and taking it seriously. At the start of this summer is when I got my first attention, my first calls and texts.”

An improved game was beneficial according to the 121st-ranked senior in the state.

“Just being able to have more control helped,” Hubbard explained. “I also added two more pitches, before I was just fastball and curve. From there, my mental state switched and I became more confident on the mound.”

A three-sport athlete at Perrysburg, Hubbard believes the best is in front of him.

“I’m in a few other sports, so when I get there I can focus just on baseball,” noted Hubbard, a defensive end and tight end in football who also plays basketball. “I’m hoping I can bring them a solid pitcher.”

In addition to Bradford, his coach with Demand Command who “brought me up another level,” Hubbard pointed to his father as a major influence in his baseball journey.

“My dad never put stress on me,” Hubbard said. “He did nothing but encourage me. He’s 100 percent why I’m here, my mom as well. I love them so much.”

A major in construction management or construction engineering is on the agenda for the 3.64 student, happy to be committed to the Mid-American Conference university 20 minutes from home.

“When I committed my brother and I hugged, the weight was off my shoulders and I know where I’m going to go,” Hubbard said. “I’m excited for the environment and meeting some new people at Toledo. I love being competitive and looking forward to playing a few more years and being in high-level games.”