40 Facts About Blake Treinen

Early Life and Background

Blake Treinen's journey to Major League Baseball (MLB) is filled with interesting twists and turns. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on June 30, 1988, in Wichita, Kansas, Treinen grew up in Osage City, a small town with a population of around 3,000 people.

2. Treinen attended Osage City High School, where he played multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and football.

3. Initially, Treinen wasn't heavily recruited for college baseball. He began his college career at Baker University, an NAIA school in Kansas.

4. After one year at Baker University, Treinen transferred to the University of Arkansas, but he didn't make the baseball team there.

5. Treinen finally found his place at South Dakota State University, where he played for the Jackrabbits and honed his pitching skills.

College Career

Blake Treinen's college career was a pivotal time that shaped his future in baseball. Here are some key moments from his time in college.

6. During his junior year at South Dakota State, Treinen posted a 7-1 record with a 4.46 ERA, catching the attention of MLB scouts.

7. Treinen was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 23rd round of the 2010 MLB Draft but chose not to sign.

8. In his senior year, Treinen improved his performance, finishing with a 7-3 record and a 3.00 ERA.

9. His impressive senior year led to him being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 7th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.

Minor League Journey

Before making it to the big leagues, Treinen spent several years in the minor leagues. Here are some highlights from that period.

10. Treinen began his professional career with the Vermont Lake Monsters, the Class A Short Season affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

11. In 2012, he was promoted to the Stockton Ports, where he posted a 4.37 ERA in 24 appearances.

12. Treinen's performance improved significantly in 2013 with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators, where he had a 3.64 ERA in 21 starts.

13. In 2013, Treinen was traded to the Washington Nationals as part of a three-team deal involving the Athletics and the Seattle Mariners.

14. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals on April 12, 2014, against the Atlanta Braves.

Major League Career

Blake Treinen's MLB career has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Let's explore some key moments.

15. Treinen recorded his first MLB win on June 28, 2014, against the Chicago Cubs.

16. In 2017, Treinen was traded back to the Oakland Athletics, where he found significant success as a closer.

17. Treinen's breakout season came in 2018 when he posted a 0.78 ERA with 38 saves, earning him an All-Star selection.

18. He finished 6th in the American League Cy Young Award voting in 2018, a rare feat for a relief pitcher.

19. Treinen signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2019.

Achievements and Records

Blake Treinen has achieved several milestones and set records throughout his career. Here are some notable achievements.

20. Treinen was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers team that won the World Series in 2020.

21. He set a franchise record for the Athletics with a 0.78 ERA in 2018, the lowest single-season ERA in team history.

22. Treinen was named the American League Reliever of the Month in June 2018.

23. He recorded a career-high 100 strikeouts in the 2018 season.

24. Treinen became the first pitcher in MLB history to record at least 30 saves, 100 strikeouts, and an ERA below 1.00 in a single season.

Personal Life

Beyond the baseball diamond, Treinen has an interesting personal life. Here are some facts about his life off the field.

25. Treinen is married to his high school sweetheart, Kati, and they have two children together.

26. He is known for his strong Christian faith and often speaks about the role of faith in his life and career.

27. Treinen enjoys hunting and fishing during the offseason, often sharing his outdoor adventures on social media.

28. He is actively involved in charity work, including supporting organizations that help children with special needs.

29. Treinen has a passion for mentoring young athletes and often participates in youth baseball clinics.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Blake Treinen that fans might find interesting.

30. Treinen's nickname is "Blake the Snake," a nod to his ability to throw a wicked sinker.

31. He has a unique pre-game ritual that includes listening to country music to get in the zone.

32. Treinen once pitched an immaculate inning, striking out all three batters on nine pitches.

33. He is a big fan of barbecue and often grills for his teammates during team gatherings.

34. Treinen has a collection of over 50 baseball caps from different teams and leagues.

Recent Developments

Blake Treinen continues to make headlines with his performances and career moves. Here are some recent developments.

35. In 2021, Treinen signed a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

36. He played a crucial role in the Dodgers' bullpen during the 2021 season, posting a 1.99 ERA.

37. Treinen was named the Dodgers' Pitcher of the Month in August 2021.

38. He continues to be one of the most reliable relievers in MLB, known for his sinker and slider combination.

39. Treinen has expressed interest in pursuing a coaching career after his playing days are over.

40. He remains a fan favorite for his work ethic, humility, and dedication to the game.

Final Thoughts on Blake Treinen

Blake Treinen's journey through Major League Baseball is nothing short of fascinating. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most dominant relief pitchers, his story is filled with dedication, hard work, and remarkable achievements. Treinen's unique pitching style, characterized by his devastating sinker, has made him a standout player. His resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks show his unwavering commitment to the game. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just someone who loves a good underdog story, Treinen's career offers plenty of inspiration. Keep an eye on this talented pitcher, as his career continues to evolve. His legacy in baseball is already impressive, and there's no telling what heights he might reach next. Thanks for joining us on this journey through the life and career of Blake Treinen. Stay curious and keep exploring the world of sports!