LebCo Athlete of the Week: Blake Burdick

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Blake Burdick

During the week of May 4th, Blake Burdick turned in the kind of all-around performance that showed why he has become such an important piece of Northern Lebanon’s baseball team this season.

The sophomore’s week was headlined by a strong outing against Manheim Township in the Lancaster Lebanon League semifinals. Burdick gave the Vikings 6.1 innings against the Blue Streaks, allowing just 2 hits while striking out 5. Despite holding the Blue Streaks in check for most of the game, Burdick was saddled with the tough loss in the 2-1 game. Earlier in the week, he also went 4-for-4 with a double, a triple, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI in a 15-5 win over Annville-Cleona. Those two tremendous efforts earned Burdick the votes necessary to be recognized as the LebCo Athlete of the Week.

Looking back on the week, Burdick pointed to the way he contributed in multiple areas, even if the result against Township was a frustrating one.

“I was dominant on the mound and at the plate, but unfortunately we had a tough loss against Manheim Township,” said Burdick.

That stretch was another example of the season Burdick has put together for the Vikings. On the mound, he is 4-1 with a 1.68 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 41.2 innings across 10 appearances, with his only loss coming against Manheim Township. At the plate, Burdick is hitting .290 with a .324 on-base percentage. 8 of his 18 hits have gone for extra bases, helping him drive in 15 runs, totals he added to in Monday’s District Playoff victory when he went 1-3 with a triple and an RBI.

Alongside fellow starting pitchers Adrian Gonzalez and Aidan Long, Burdick helped lead Northern Lebanon to a 20-0 regular season and the  #1 seed in the District 3 Class 4A Playoffs. The Vikings also claimed the Section 4 Championship, something Burdick pointed to when asked about team accomplishments this spring.

For Burdick, the main focus the rest of the way is simple.

“My goal is to help the team win in the playoffs,” said Burdick.

He added that he feels his role has been to do his job every time he takes the mound.

“I feel like I am doing my job on the mound,” said Burdick.

Burdick also made sure to speak directly to some of his biggest supporters: his parents.

“Mom and Dad, thank you so much for driving me to all those practices and never missing a game,” said Burdick. “My baseball career wouldn’t have been possible without your sacrifices and support.”

Outside of baseball, Burdick also played football and basketball this year, showing the kind of all-around athleticism that has helped him become a key contributor for Northern Lebanon. Looking ahead, he said he would like to play baseball in college.

Even when he is not training, Burdick still has baseball on his mind. In his free time, he enjoys playing The Show 26, a popular MLB-themed video game.

What Burdick enjoys most about sports is the chance to compete while building memories with his teammates.

“Having a good time on the field and off the field with my teammates,” said Burdick.

Congratulations to Blake on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to him and the Vikings as they continue their postseason run and enjoy every moment competing together as a team.

Photos provided by the Burdick Family

LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Maddy Waldron

Past Winners

Aidan Long Week of 4/30)

Braden Gettle Week of 4/23)

Thadeous Gilbert (Week of 4/13)

Grant Reesor  (Week of 4/6)

Davin Kolter (Week of 3/30)

Brett Wenger (Week of 3/23)

Adrian Gonzalez (Week of 3/9, 3/16)