BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former baseball student-athlete Blake Shortall from the Class of 2012. Shortall helped the Greyhounds to the Landmark Conference Championship in 2010 and the program's first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament appearance the same year.
Blake Shortall
Class: 2012
How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? I started playing baseball when I was five years old with my dad as my coach in Oklahoma. From that point forward, I never looked back and it became a staple in our family.
Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? My path to Moravian was not direct at first; however, the main reason why I came to Moravian was because of the baseball coach, Paul Engelhardt. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life and it worked out far better than I imagined.
What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? I endured a few trials and tribulations, failing to push myself to fully achieve my highest potential at first. I was quickly re-aligned by the academic and athletic staff to realize my potential. Time management was a key skill that I developed through being a student-athlete and learning how to properly balance life and responsibilities. Finally, through all the baseball experiences I learned how to be a leader the right way and to stand for your morals and values.
How did you get into your current occupation? It has always been a life-long dream of mine to become a State Trooper. A few of my family members are/were Troopers and that only strengthened my desires and goals to become one. The occupation represents and stands for a lot of the morals and values that I hold close to me daily, so this made the transition even easier for me from college to my occupation.
What was your favorite place on campus? The obvious answer for me is the baseball field and locker room, as the memories shared there, and the time spent with my teammates and family/friends are priceless to me. In a more academic response, during my time on campus my favorite academic location was easily PPHAC.
What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? Unfortunately, I didn't push myself to get highly involved; however, one of the best opportunities I was presented with in life was to lead the baseball team's involvement with Josh's Angels and the Gehman Family. This organization led me to become family friends with the Gehman family and welcome them into the Moravian College family as well. Josh Gehman will forever be a lasting memory of mine and an honor to share the time we had together, albeit way too short. Josh gained his wings during my junior year at Moravian and as a result left a lasting impression on me in many ways.
What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? This one is a toss-up between a life experience and baseball; however, I have to lean with meeting my future wife at one of our highly attended baseball doubleheader. The baseball memory was my senior year baseball season and all of the success and enjoyable moments I was able to be a part of.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? Do everything within your power and ability to make the most of your opportunities at Moravian while you have the opportunity. Time flies, especially while being a student-athlete with all the daily grind activities of class, practice, workouts, time spent with teammates, the list can go on and on. Looking back on your time at Moravian, you'll appreciate it even more if you give to Moravian everything you can.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? First and foremost, enjoy the time as a student-athlete and embrace the time with teammates, coaches and training staff, as those times are some of my fondest memories, especially during senior year. Second, don't be nervous or scared of what the future holds. Approach it similar to how you would approach an athletic contest and give it everything you have; you will be happy you did.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Hard work and dedication pay off, it's one of my most important life values that I hold very near and dear. Besides that, one of the simplest rules to live by: treat others as you'd like to be treated.
Who are your role models/most influential people? The most prominent role models in my life are my parents, hands down. My father and mother's constant dedication and devotion to our family are second to none, and on top of that my father's accomplishments in his corporate career are truly special and one(s) that I admire him for. My mother's day-to-day perspective and positive attitude are something to be envious of and something I look to emulate. Outside of my family, some of the influencers I currently look to are: David Goggins, Cameron Hanes "Keep Hammering", Jocko Willink for his 0430 hour workouts, and Joe Rogan.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? Josh Gehman, Admiral William McRaven, and Joe Rogan.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I was almost 3 months premature and flown to Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia by a New Jersey State Police Helicopter, apparently a sign to come.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Baby Blue
Favorite Food – Tacos or Steak
Favorite Restaurant – The Bayou in Bethlehem
Favorite Movie – Remember the Titans or the Bad Boys Movie Series
Favorite TV Show – Yellowstone
Favorite Musical Artist – Garth Brooks
Favorite Athlete – Jorge Posada or Paul O'Neil
Favorite Pro Team – Pro team is the New York Yankees, real favorite team regardless of level is the University of Oklahoma, Boomer Sooner!!!
Hobbies – Working Out, Lake Activities, Spending time with family and our pets, home improvement projects.
Most Prized Possession – Easily has to be my home gym (was this way pre-covid I promise)
Ideal Travel Destination – Hawaii or Chief Joseph Ranch, Darby, Montana
Your Spirit Animal – The Wolf or The Bull
Superpower you'd Like to Have – The power to fly
