McFADDEN: THE HOMETOWN HAWK

from 2023 Boise Hawks Game Program Edition 1

by Boise Hawks Baseball

GAME DAY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Pitcher Blake McFadden is living his childhood dream by playing on his local team, the Boise Hawks.

Growing up in Meridian, McFadden always attended Hawks games with his family and wanted to be a part of the team in any way he could.

“I grew up going to Hawks games with my grandpa and family and just being able to play for them is something that has always been in the back of my mind,” McFadden said. “I wasn’t sure if I would get the opportunity to play for them.”

The Treasure Valley native started his path to the Hawks by joining the Meridian Warriors baseball team his sophomore year of high school.

After graduating from Meridian High, McFadden decided to stay local and play ball at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. He appeared in 65 games throughout his five years with the Nighthawks and recorded a win-loss record of 13-6.

His solid tenure with the Nighthawks opened up the opportunity to stay in Idaho and play for the Hawks this season.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to play in front of my family and be able to stay close to them,” McFadden said.

During his first offseason with the Hawks, McFadden trained just four hours away in Pocatello, Idaho. Due to the weather conditions in Pocatello, McFadden had to find creative ways to train and get better.

“It was hard to throw sometimes because there was snow on the ground,” McFadden said. “I was able to find and use indoor training tools and then maximize the opportunities to throw outside when I had the chance.”