SAUGATUCK, Mich. — Saugatuck native Blake Dunn is hoping to have a big year on the diamond.
"Try to take it day by day, focus where I am at and just try to make myself a better ball player," Dunn said.
The 25-year-old has gotten a lot better after his first fully healthy year in the pros, and he even got his first big league spring training invite with the Reds organization.
"Spring training has been great," Dunn said. "Getting ready for the season. Just excited to get out there and compete again."
And there is a chance competing in the bigs could be in the cards this year. The 15th-round pick will start the season in Triple-A with the Louisville Bats.
"When that time comes, it comes and I'll be ready for it," Dunn said.
Dunn has certainly been playing like he is ready. The Western Michigan alum hit for a .312 batting average, belting 23 home runs and recording 79 RBIs with the Reds High-A and Double-A teams in 2023. He was named the Reds Minor League player of the year with those numbers, but the Saugatuck High School alum is staying patient as he awaits the call to the show.
"I know I've got to keep working," Dunn said. "Keep grinding. Keep coming to the field every single day. Trying to get better and if I am able to do that, hopefully that goal of getting to the big leagues is able to be achieved."
One thing that sets Dunn apart from most is his speed on the base paths. He stole a whopping 54 bases in 2023. The former Bronco believes that he can be a difference maker with his legs.
"Having something that I can do every single game if I get on base and have the ability to steal, I think is pretty cool," Dunn said.
What's been even cooler than being a speed demon on the field is knowing his hometown has been supporting him on his journey to the big leagues.
"What I try to remember is remember where you came from," Dunn said. "I came from a small town, a small high school, went to a mid-major college. That's stuff that I never forget about and stuff that I use like a chip on my shoulder to push myself to keep going."
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