A memorable month for Kevin Conlin, who became a father and Portola’s new coach

Kevin Conlin with his wife Hillary and the couple’s 1-month old son, Hunter. (Photo courtesy Conlin family)

It’s was quite a summer for Kevin Conlin.

Conlin was named the new baseball coach at Portola a little over a month ago and about the same time, his wife Hillary give birth to the couple’s first child, Hunter on Aug. 6. It’s the first child for the couple.

“It’s going great, it was a great experience, my wife is really tough and she did great and she’s a great mom,” Conlin said. “We’re just really enjoying being parents. He’s one month old and he’s awesome. We’re having a lot of fun.”

About the same time, Conlin was named the new baseball coach at Portola, replacing Michael Nagamatsu, who resigned after one year. Conlin takes over a program that was 5-17 overall and 2-13 in the Pacific Coast League in their first season of varsity competition.

“That was a step up for me, it’s a great school,” said Conlin, a 2001 University High graduate. “I’ve had some really big-time exciting life-changing things happening. It’s been a great month.”

Conlin coached for two years at Estancia, where he had a 34-26 record and led the Eagles to the Orange Coast League title this past season. The team reached the quarterfinal round of the CIF Division 5 playoffs.

“It was really tough,” he said of leaving Estancia. “I built some really good relationships there and the kids were great. So it was a hard move, but this is what was best for my family and for me going forward.”

Conlin said he’s received great support from the Portola administration and cooperation from the players.

“We’re taking every day as an opportunity to get better,” he said. “We’re still trying to get to know the kids and see what they can improve on. So far, the kids have been great and they’ve been very coachable.”

The Portola program is currently involved in the Ryan Lemmon Fall League, Conlin said.

“I think we’re set up for some success over there,” Conlin said. “I met with the seniors and they’re in a unique spot, they’re in the first graduating class and I’m trying to tell them that I’m here for them and having them go out on top.”

Conlin, who was a standout baseball and football player at University where his father Chris was the head baseball coach, said he realizes there are long days ahead as he combines the responsibilities of being a new father and taking on a new job.

“When you don’t sleep you get 24 hours to work on everything so I’m getting everything done and getting by on adrenaline,” he said.

“I’m excited to be back in Irvine, and excited to be back in the district and so far they kids have been great and I’m really looking forward to the future.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com