MLB star Blake Dunn owes much of his success to his parents, Bill and Beverly Dunn, who have been his most prominent supporters since day one.
Bill coached Saugatuck High School’s football team, where Blake starred as a quarterback, defensive back, kicker, punter, and return man.
As Blake’s football coach and father, Bill saw firsthand how Blake pushed himself in every sport, from scoring 31 touchdowns in a single high school football season to breaking basketball records.
His mother, Beverly, was always there, supporting Blake through every game, practice, and milestone.
Raising an athlete who excelled in four sports i.e., football, basketball, baseball, and track, meant late nights, early mornings, and countless hours driving to events. Their sacrifices gave Blake the chance to chase his dreams.
In an interview after making his MLB debut with the Reds in June 2024, Blake acknowledged his parents’ sacrifices. Blake gave a subtle nod to his parents, who were with him in Denver to witness his big day.
He talked about how “all the work” he and his family put in led to that moment, hinting at the years of effort behind the scenes.
“You’re just so happy that all the work that us, as players, that we put in to get to this moment… was really cool,” Blake said.
Bill and Bev have never been shy about praising Blake’s dedication. His mother, Beverly, watching her son step onto a major league field for the first time, said:
I just want to cry. He has worked so hard for this; I mean really, really hard and he’s given up a lot for it.
Beverly Dunn
Bev and Bill knew from the very start that Blake was meant for the sport. She said:
The one thing I will say is when Blake was two years old, walking around with a rolling pin swinging it like a bat, literally, so you knew at a young age absolutely.
Bill added, “We are truly blessed to be here today to watch him on his debut on a major league field.” Bev, too, beamed with pride. “Awesome. Absolutely awesome.“
Bill shared a special detail about his son during that MLB debut broadcast.
He told Bally Sports Ohio’s Jim Day that Blake has the word “insatiable” written on his glove. “It’s representative of his insatiable appetite to continue to work hard and never be satisfied,” Bill said.
Blake Dunn’s Father, Bill, Retired As Athletic Director From Saugatuck High School In 2023!
Bill Dunn, father of Cincinnati Reds outfielder Blake Dunn, is a legendary figure in Saugatuck, Michigan, known for transforming the high school football program.
In 2003, Bill took the head coaching job at Saugatuck, along with roles as athletic director and teacher.
The team had a tough past, with a 3-51 record from 1998-2000 and a 0-9 first season under Bill.
His first year was rough, going 0-9, but Bill stayed determined. “I knew what I was getting into, and I was ready for the challenge,” he said, focusing on caring for his players and pushing them to improve.
The turnaround began in his second year with a 5-4 record. By 2008, Saugatuck made the playoffs for the first time since 1997.
In 2010, with just 16 players, Bill led them to the Division 8 State Championship game, though they lost to Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart. “That year was remarkable,” he recalled.
In 2017, they reached the Division 7 title game, falling to Pewamo-Westphalia. From 2011-2016, Bill’s record was 47-13, and in 2019, he became Saugatuck’s winningest coach with over 100 victories.
Bill coached his sons, Blake and Brad, who both excelled in sports. He praised Blake’s hard work, saying, “He has God-given skills, but he works at it.”
After 20 years as athletic director, Bill stepped down in 2023 but kept coaching football.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Blake Dunn is married to Emily Kreger. They tied the knot on June 8, 2018.
- While playing for Western Michigan University, he was named to the first team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a sophomore, hitting an impressive .374 with five home runs and 30 stolen bases.
