Blake Burkhalter’s remarkable ride from Auburn ace reliever to expectations of being chosen in the upcoming Major League Baseball Draft was accompanied by Dothan family members in more ways than one.
One of the driving forces in his life has been his cousin, Gantt Pierce, who was 16 years old when Burkhalter was born and has treated him like a baby brother throughout his life.
People are also reading… “The first time I said War Eagle I had to clear my throat a little bit,” Wayne said with a chuckle. “But when you get to know those people, it’s so much easier to do that. And this past year has certainly been the most significant in the baseball career of Burkhalter, who recorded an SEC best 16 saves, was named second team All-Conference and an All-American by several organizations. He is considered by many the premier relief pitcher in college baseball going into the MLB Draft, which begins Sunday and concludes Tuesday.Getting to that point has been propelled by much guidance.
“He just portrayed being a figure I wanted Blake to have and I believe Blake wanted to be a part of it.”“When I came on campus at Auburn, I really loved the coaching staff and facilities here,” Burkhalter said. “I mean, this is the best coaching staff in the country hands down.” “Blake has that mentality and the vigor to be able to focus,” Gantt said. “I’ve always said that kid is laser-focused on what he wants to accomplish. He took it serious and treated it like a job, and it’s about to pay off for him.”When Burkhalter decided to play baseball at Auburn, it also meant getting a chance to play for and get to know former Northview star Gabe Gross, who serves as the Tigers hitting coach.
“You automatically have that connection right off the bat and you try to help him out if there are any questions,” Burkhalter said. “We have lockers beside each other and it’s been a fun experience.”Burkhalter pitched just four innings as a freshman during the COVID-shortened 2020 season and went 1-0 in 17 relief appearances as a sophomore with a 1.71 earned run average in 21 innings of work.
“I scrapped the slider in the fall and went straight cutter, fastball and changeup in the spring. This year, coming in I knew I had the chance to be the closer. They gave me an opportunity in the fall and I did pretty good with it, so they kind of named me the closer before the spring started.
“I’m just really thankful I was able to keep that lead and we were able to advance to the College World Series,” Burkhalter said. “I mean, that was an unbelievable experience … just the dogpile on the field after the game, and beating Oregon State there.”While Burkhalter sparkled during the regular season, his uncle Wayne was not only along for the ride, he was driving the team’s charter bus provided by Southern Coaches, which is based in Dothan.
Despite not bringing home a national title, Burkhalter will always cherish the memory of playing before a packed house in Omaha.
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