BOISE, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene baseball alum Blake McFadden has signed a professional contract to play baseball for the Boise Hawks.

"Signing with the Hawks means a lot to me, to be able to continue playing the game at the professional level," said McFadden. "It really goes to show that if you want something bad enough, you can work hard and achieve your dreams."

"I am so happy for Blake," said NNU head coach Joe Schaefer. "He deserves this opportunity. He was so good for us the past few years. There are few pitchers out there that have been able to put up the numbers he has the past couple seasons. He will do very well for the Hawks."

The Hawks play in the Pioneer League, an MLB affiliate league with teams in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Colorado.

McFadden, who just graduated and wrapped up his NNU playing career in the spring of 2022, was an ABCA All-Region pick in 2021 as well as an All-GNAC performer in each of the last two seasons as a relief pitcher.

"A huge thing that I took from my time at NNU was the opportunities to pitch at a high level and in high leverage situations," added McFadden. "With the Regionals appearances the last two years and the College World Series trip in 2021, I was able to pitch on the big stage and learn how to control my emotions, which will help me as I continue my career at this next level.
 
A Meridian native, McFadden was the go-to setup man for the Nighthawks in the seventh and eighth innings across the last two years, compiling a 1.99 ERA, 10-1 record, and four saves in 76.2 innings. In those two seasons, he recorded 94 strikeouts and just 21 walks.
 
"Signing with the Hawks is especially great for me because I get to pitch in front of friends and family in the Treasure Valley," said McFadden. "To make my professional debut in front of my family is very special and something I'll remember for a long time."