Casey Blake

Lore & Background

Blake was a four-sport standout at Indianola High School in Iowa and attended Wichita State University, where he was a three-time All-American. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1992 and the New York Yankees in 1995 before signing with the Blue Jays in 1996. He made his MLB debut in 1999 and became a full-time third baseman with the Indians in 2003. He also played right field for two seasons before returning to third base. He appeared in the postseason only with the Indians in 2007.

In Their Own Story

The lights at Dolphin Stadium hummed their low, electric buzz, and the October air carried the salt tang of Biscayne Bay. Blake crouched in the dirt at third, glove low, eyes locked on the batter's back foot. The pitcher wound up. The ball left the bat with a sharp crack that made the crowd inhale as one. Blake was already moving, his left foot stabbing into the clay, glove snapping open to meet the grounder that was trying to become a base hit. He fanned his right arm, and the throw sailed to first like it had a destination etched into its spin. The runner slid, the tag came, and the stands erupted in that particular Marlins roar—the sound of a team that had been underestimated all year finally being right. Blake stood up, brushed the dirt off his knee, and gave a small nod to the shortstop. No celebration. Just the next pitch. That was Casey Blake.

Reader's Guide

Blake is known for his versatility, having played third base, first base, and right field during his career. He had a 26-game hit streak in 2007 and hit walk-off home runs in consecutive games that September. He signed a three-year extension with the Dodgers in 2008 and retired in 2012 after a brief stint with the Rockies.

Did You Know?

• Blake was drafted twice before signing with the Blue Jays: in the 11th round by the Phillies in 1992 and in the 45th round by the Yankees in 1995.
• He played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1993.
• Blake led the AL in errors at third base in 2004 with 26.
• He hit a game-winning solo home run in the top of the 11th inning against the Tigers on July 3, 2007.