Beyond the Ballpark with Blake Cederlind

In his home state of California, Blake Cederlind has been keeping busy with hiking trails and throwing sessions at home. We sat down with the reliever to learn about new hobbies he’s picked up, his favorite social media app and go-to order at an iconic fast-food chain.

Q: What new hobbies, or old ones, have you picked up in quarantine?
A: Definitely fishing. I’ve been hiking a lot, of course, so I go to the mountains here in California. I live in the Central Valley and people forget that it exists, but it’s actually pretty nice over here.

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?
A: I’d say science because it wasn’t as bad as the other subjects. There was something about it that I really enjoyed.

Q: Who has given you the best advice since you’ve been in baseball?
A: It’s definitely Joel Hanrahan, Indy’s pitching coach. He’s taught me a lot, really. The best thing he’s told me is not to be afraid to mess it up. I’ve carried that with me ever since I met him, and it’s helped me a lot with different things.

Q: What’s your favorite social media app?
A: It’s not TikTok. I know that’s the people’s choice right now, but it’s not mine. Snapchat is mine, for sure. I’ve been using it probably since it came out, so it’s been a long time.

Q: Where can you find the best burger?
A: Oh, that’s easy: In-N-Out. My go-to order there is two two-by-threes (two slices of cheese and three patties in between two buns) with spread only. Their fries are a hit or miss, though. Some days they’re cardboard and some days they’re the best thing ever. You have to get them fresh.

Q: Best sports moment that you’ve witnessed?
A: When stunt performer Robbie Maddison jumped over the length of a football field on his bike during New Year’s Eve was ridiculous. But it has to be Barry Bonds hitting home run No. 756. The place went crazy, I’ll never forget it. I grew up an hour away from AT&T Park [now Oracle Park] so it’s pretty special.

Q: What’s a hidden talent that you have?
A: I can kick field goals really, really far and very accurately. When I was in eighth grade, I wasn’t going to beat out the quarterback and I really wanted to be on the team, so I went out for kicker instead. I actually got really good at it. I mean, I can kick a 60-yard field goal like a beast.

Q: What movie or show can always make you laugh?
A: I don’t do live shows, but my favorite is Rick and Morty. I’ve seen that show a couple of times over already. A specific episode doesn’t stick out for me as the funniest in the show, but it’s my all-time favorite.

Q: Which state do you most want to visit?A: Probably Florida. Maybe the West Palm or Jupiter area, also Miami and Orlando would be cool. I just think Florida is super nice. It helps that Spring Training is in Bradenton for us, so I can just enjoy the state for a few weeks every year.

Q: If you could play any other position in baseball, which would it be?
A: Catcher. I’ve been a catcher for flat-mound sessions, but I’ve always been a pitcher and always will be.