Dusty Blake

Blake comes back to Pfeiffer after handling all operations for USC Upstate, including daily management of the pitching staff, recruiting, practice planning, strength and conditioning, and agility training. The hurlers maintained a team EAR just over four last season, allowed 180 fewer runs than the previous season, and lead the Spartans to a 33 win season. He was also responsible for the development of Scott DeCecco, a 21^st round pick by the Seattle Mariners, Dave Roseboom, All Atlantic Sun Conference pitcher, and Chad Sobotka, Freshman All-American.

Prior to arriving at Upstate, Blake served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Wofford Terriers. He was responsible for the development of pitcher John Cornely, a 15^th round draft pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 2011 MLB Draft. Cornely led the 2011 team with a 1.85 ERA and was also the team leader in appearances (23), saves (9), and opponent batting average (.169). Cornely struck out 49 batters in 39 innings of work and posted a 2-1 record. As a whole, the 2011 Wofford pitching staff held opponents to a .297 batting average, which was the lowest total since the 2000 campaign (.293). The team also owned a 5.12 team ERA, which was the best mark in more than 25 seasons (1985, 5.04). The Terriers struck out 381 batters, a total that ranks third-best in program history.

Before making the move to Spartanburg, Blake was the pitching coach at Catawba College for two seasons. In 2006, the Indians led the South Atlantic Conference with 49 wins, an earned run average of 3.44, and an average of 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

In the summer of 2007, Blake served as the head coach of the Asheboro (N.C.) Copperheads of the Coastal Plain League. Blake previously had served as an assistant coach with Gastonia of the CPL in 2005.

Blake began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Pfeiffer University in 2004-05. At Pfeiffer, he assisted with the pitching staff and worked with the outfielders.

Blake earned a Bachelor of Science degree and played baseball at Appalachian State (1999-2003). He helped lead the Mountaineers to a fourth place finish in the Southern Conference in 2001. He also earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Change and Development from Pfeiffer University.

Dusty and his wife, Amy, currently live at Lake Tillery with their 3 year old daughter, Mia.