Del City’s Blake Unruh

Del City High School pitcher Blake Unruh prides himself on his mental approach to the game as much as his right arm on the mound.

Unruh, a varsity pitcher for the Eagles, said he leans on his baseball IQ and leadership to stand out. “I would say I have a good mind for the game and can outsmart anyone on the diamond, and I am always trying to improve at being a leader both on and off the field,” Unruh said.

The junior said his favorite baseball memory so far was earning the ball on a big stage. “My favorite moment was getting to be the starting pitcher on opening day my sophomore year,” he said. He said the toughest part of pitching is controlling his thoughts when the pressure rises. “The toughest thing about pitching is not letting your mind take over, whether it’s being in a long inning and knowing I am doing bad… Or if I am doing really well and getting prideful,” Unruh said.

Unruh said he loves the culture his teammates and coaches are building at Del City. “I love how we want to come out and try and better ourselves at practice and in the school building. It makes me love to come and work with them every day,” he said. Teammate Demarion Bruton stands out as a spark. “He always finds a way to bring joy to all our practices,” Unruh said.

Faith and family play a central role in Unruh’s life. He participates in the Whosoever Bible Study Club and spends his free time investing in relationships with family and friends while growing his faith and helping others grow theirs. He said his father is his biggest inspiration and the man he hopes to become. Unruh also credits Mr. Johnson, his favorite teacher, for checking on him daily and taking his job seriously.

Through it all, baseball has given Unruh a simple lesson he carries beyond the field: “Athletics has taught me to never quit when things get tough.”