Blake Treinen: A Journey to Baseball Stardom

Blake Treinen has become one of the most reliable and dominant relief pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) over the years. His career, which has been a series of ups and downs, is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and undeniable talent. This article explores Treinen’s journey through baseball, from his early days to his rise as a key figure in the MLB bullpen.

Early Life and Background

The Humble Beginnings

Blake Michael Treinen was born on June 30, 1988, in the small town of Wichita Falls, Texas. Raised in a family that appreciated sports, Blake was exposed to the world of baseball early on. His father, Greg Treinen, was a former collegiate athlete, and Blake’s passion for baseball began when he was just a child.

Though Treinen’s early life was rooted in the competitive world of athletics, baseball wasn’t initially his main focus. Growing up in a sports-oriented household, he played various sports, including football and basketball. It was only in high school that he began to seriously pursue baseball, quickly becoming a standout player on his high school team.

College Career at South Dakota State University

After high school, Blake Treinen attended South Dakota State University, where he continued to refine his pitching skills. At SDSU, Treinen made a significant impact in the world of college baseball. His fastball velocity and ability to throw strikes helped him earn recognition as one of the top pitchers in the Summit League.

Treinen played for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, where his performances on the mound were impressive. Over time, he became a key figure on the team, leading them to several victories and building a reputation as a reliable pitcher with a strong arm.

His performance at SDSU caught the attention of scouts, and he eventually decided to pursue a career in professional baseball. But Blake Treinen’s journey to the big leagues was far from conventional.

The Road to the Major Leagues

Drafted by the Kansas City Royals

In 2010, after a strong collegiate career, Blake Treinen was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 7th round of the MLB Draft. This was a pivotal moment in Treinen’s career, marking the first major step towards realizing his dream of playing in the big leagues.

At the time of the draft, Treinen was regarded as a solid pitching prospect, but no one could have predicted the success he would eventually achieve. After being drafted, he started his professional career in the Royals’ minor league system. In the minor leagues, Treinen had to refine his mechanics and learn to handle the pressures of pitching at a higher level.

Trade to the Oakland Athletics

In 2013, Treinen’s life took a turn when he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in a deal that also sent pitchers Justin Maxwell and two others to Kansas City. The trade was part of the Athletics’ strategy to bolster their bullpen, and it would prove to be a defining moment for Treinen’s career.

With the A’s, Treinen continued to work on his pitching, developing new skills and building his confidence. It was in Oakland where Blake Treinen began to establish himself as a reliable relief pitcher.

Rising to Prominence in the MLB

Early Years with the Athletics

Blake Treinen made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he truly began to shine. As a late-inning relief pitcher, Treinen proved to be an invaluable asset for the Athletics. He had a strong fastball, a devastating sinker, and a bulldog mentality that helped him become one of the most reliable pitchers in the Oakland bullpen.

His performances in the bullpen were crucial in many of the Athletics’ close wins, and Treinen’s ability to come through in high-leverage situations became a trademark of his career. In 2017, he was moved to the closer role for the Athletics, solidifying his status as one of the premier relief pitchers in the game.

The 2018 Breakout Season

Blake Treinen’s career reached new heights during the 2018 season. That year, he posted a remarkable 0.78 ERA, the lowest among MLB closers. His sinkerball became nearly unhittable, and opposing batters struggled to make solid contact with his pitches. Treinen’s combination of velocity, movement, and command made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.

Treinen finished the 2018 season with a league-leading 38 saves, earning a spot in the MLB All-Star Game. His dominant performances helped propel the Athletics to the postseason, where they fought to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers

After spending several successful seasons with the Athletics, Treinen was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2019. The Dodgers, already a powerhouse team in the National League, added Treinen to further strengthen their bullpen for a World Series run. The addition of Treinen proved to be a key move, as he continued his dominance in Los Angeles.

Treinen’s first year with the Dodgers saw him continue to perform at a high level. Despite the challenges presented by a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Treinen contributed to the Dodgers’ success, ultimately helping them win the 2020 World Series. His ability to shut down opponents in critical moments made him an essential part of the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Pitching Style and Strengths

A Deep Arsenal of Pitches

Blake Treinen’s pitching style has made him stand out among his peers. His ability to throw multiple types of pitches with precision and velocity has allowed him to dominate hitters for years. Treinen’s most famous pitch is his sinker, a pitch that drops significantly as it approaches the plate, making it difficult for batters to make solid contact. This pitch, along with his fastball and slider, has made him a nightmare for opposing hitters.

Treinen’s fastball typically reaches 97-98 mph, and when paired with his sinker, it becomes even more effective. His slider, while not as consistently dominant as his sinker, adds another layer of deception to his pitching arsenal, making it hard for batters to predict what’s coming next.

Mental Toughness and Command

Beyond his physical abilities, Blake Treinen’s mental toughness has played a significant role in his success. Relief pitching requires the ability to handle high-pressure situations, and Treinen has shown time and time again that he thrives in those moments. Whether it’s a one-run game in the ninth inning or a high-stakes postseason matchup, Treinen has repeatedly proven his ability to stay calm and deliver when it matters most.

Additionally, Treinen’s command of his pitches is one of his defining characteristics. He is known for his ability to locate pitches precisely, even in tight spots, making it challenging for hitters to get comfortable against him.

Overcoming Setbacks

Injuries and Setbacks

Like many athletes, Blake Treinen’s career has not been without its challenges. Injuries have been a recurring issue, and at times, they have threatened to derail his success. In particular, Treinen dealt with shoulder issues that kept him sidelined for stretches during the 2021 season. These injuries tested his resilience and forced him to adjust his training and approach to pitching.

However, Treinen has always been determined to overcome these setbacks. With the support of his trainers and teammates, he has worked tirelessly to stay in shape and get back to his dominant form.

Career Resilience

Treinen’s resilience is one of the most inspiring aspects of his career. Rather than allowing injuries or rough patches to define him, he has used them as motivation to improve and refine his craft. His ability to bounce back from adversity and continue to perform at a high level speaks volumes about his character and determination.

Legacy and Impact

A Key Piece of Championship Teams

Blake Treinen’s impact on MLB will be remembered for his role as a key bullpen piece for championship-caliber teams. His performance in the 2020 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers was a fitting culmination of his hard work and dedication to the game. By helping the Dodgers secure their first World Series title in 32 years, Treinen cemented his legacy as one of the premier relief pitchers of his era.

Influence on Future Generations

As Treinen’s career continues, he serves as an example to young pitchers everywhere. His rise from a small-town kid with a strong arm to one of the most respected closers in baseball shows that with hard work, patience, and the right attitude, dreams can come true. Blake Treinen has proven that even when faced with challenges, the will to succeed and the love of the game can take you far.

Conclusion

Blake Treinen’s journey through professional baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in Wichita Falls to becoming a key player in major league bullpens, Treinen’s career is a story of resilience, talent, and unwavering determination. As he continues to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his legacy is still being written. However, one thing is clear: Treinen has left an indelible mark on the game of baseball, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.