Big League Potential: Blake Treinen, SDSU

by Kolbe Nelson
June 06, 2011 6:27 PM


Our Taco John's Athlete of the Week Blake Treinen was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the later rounds of the 2010 MLB draft, but instead of trying the big league route, he decided to come back to college at SDSU.

"I was excited," Treinen says, "I thought it was gonna be the next stage of my life. Moving on, but it didn't and I'm proud to be here right now."

Jacks Head Coach Ritchie Price says Treinen used the extra time in school to the fullest. Fine tuning his already dynamic skills.

"I knew he had a lot of potential." Price says, "You never know if a guy's gonna play up to his abilities, but I knew he had the ability to do that. And he's worked hard, you gotta give him credit with how hard he's worked in the weight room and with his throwing program and all the success he's having he's definitely earned."

This season Treinen compounded upon his breakout 2010 season by going 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA and picking up double digit strikeout totals in two games.

One of Treinen's best games came at Sioux Falls Stadium during the Summit League Tournament. A five strikeout peformance in 7 and 1/3 innings against NDSU that saw him retire 16 consecutive batters at one point and pick up the win. Price says the game was a great bookend to Treinen's college career and a glimpse into what may come in the future for the Kansas native.

"It's great to see Blake take the mound and pitch so well in a big game for us." Price says, "He showed his growth as a pitcher tonight and it's great to see him emerge in our program and have the success he's had, and I think he's very ready now to pitch at the next level."

Treinen's just enjoying the ride though, and still shows modesty when people ask him if he can make the big leagues.

"Three years ago, if you asked me, I'd say no." Treinen says, "I've always wanted to play college baseball and what baseball player hasn't dreamnt of playing at the major level, but in the future I'm excited to see what happens."

Follow KDLT Weekend Sports Anchor Kolbe Nelson on Twitter at @KolbeNelson