Casey Blake

Casey Blake came to Wichita State as a four-sport athlete from Indianola, Iowa and quickly played his way into the Shockers lineup.  In his first season, Blake hit .366 and was named freshman All-America.

Blake went on to be a three-time All-American and was Missouri Valley Conference player of the year as a senior, hitting .360 with 22 home runs and 101 runs batted in.  He was also twice named to all-academic teams and played three years with Team USA.

Drafted for the third time, Blake signed as a seventh-round choice by Toronto following his senior year.  He made his debut for the Blue Jays in 1999.

Prior to the 2003 season, Blake signed with Cleveland, managed by former Shocker Eric Wedge.  Blake spent the next five and a half years as the Indians’ starting third baseman.   His finest season was 2004 in which he hit .271 with 28 home runs and 88 RBIs.

After a playoff season with the Tribe in 2007, Blake was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2008 season.  In 2009, he hit .280 with 18 home runs.  In 2011, Blake’s playing time was limited by injuries.  He retired prior to the 2012 season.

For more, read Casey Blake’s Society for American Baseball Research bio.