Blake Wehunt, a right‑handed pitcher hailing from Athens, Georgia, has just moved up from the AA Portland roster to the Worcester squad, marking a new chapter in his professional baseball career.
Roots on the Farm and the Family Game
Wehunt’s childhood was shaped by a tight‑knit family that ran a chicken farm outside the town. Daily chores ranged from gathering eggs to handling the occasional dead bird, tasks that taught him the value of routine and teamwork.
An older brother sparked his love for baseball, turning the backyard into a makeshift arena where wiffle balls and real leather spheres collided. Those impromptu contests forged a competitive spirit that would later define his approach on the mound.
Influences on the Mound
The young pitcher looked up to Tim Lincecum, whose unorthodox mechanics inspired Wehunt to experiment with a simple yet effective drill: placing a dollar bill near the mound and trying to pick it up with each delivery. The so‑called ‘dollar drill’ became a habit, a daily ritual that sharpened his balance and release point.
Repeating the exercise ingrained a precise motion that persisted through his minor‑league stints, including the thirteen appearances he made for Portland before earning the call to Worcester.
From Portland to Worcester
The promotion meant confronting faster bats and a quicker game tempo. While the speed of the ball increased, the fundamentals of his delivery remained unchanged, a testament to the solid foundation built during his farm‑yard training.
Coaches in Worcester noted his adaptability, praising the way he blended his farm‑honed work ethic with the professional demands of higher competition.
Looking Ahead
Now settled in Worcester, Wehunt continues to refine his craft, drawing on the lessons of his family farm and the influence of his brother. His story illustrates how a modest upbringing can fuel a resilient pursuit of excellence on the baseball diamond.