The Chapman Years – Confidence, Identity, and a Big Break
I didn’t just end up at Chapman — I was determined to land somewhere that aligned with my goals, and Chapman became that place. A few teammates from Pasadena City College had transferred there and spoke highly of the program. They recommended me to head coach Rex Peters, and based on my performance and reputation, Chapman started recruiting me. At P.C.C., I was so dominant on the mound that before road trips, our head coach would jokingly say, “Blitstein,” then check off the pitching staff — as if I alone carried the weight of it.
It was a turning point. I had a dream to play professionally, and this was my opportunity to make it real. I was 24 when I enrolled, still living with my grandfather in Studio City, commuting back and forth to Orange County several days a week. On my off days, I hustled to earn money as a TV extra, showing up on shows like Felicity, E.R., and Charmed. My life was full throttle — chasing dreams on all fronts.
Once I stepped on campus and joined the team, everything started clicking. I became a starting pitcher and quickly made my mark. In 1998, I led the nation in double plays and wins. More importantly, I evolved — learning control, pitch sequencing, and the mental edge that separates good from great. For the first time, I wasn’t just dreaming of success — I was living it. I went on to become an All-American pitcher, and when I graduated, I held numerous school records, including an incredible 25–4 win-loss record across just two years.
Even though I didn’t know which scouts were watching, I pitched every game like it was my ticket to the pros. And in 1999, it happened — I was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 39th round. At 25, I wasn’t the typical prospect, but a scout believed in me enough to tweak my birthdate just to get me a shot. It worked.
My transformation wasn’t limited to the field. For the first time, I truly applied myself academically. I built study groups, leaned into preparation, and actually enjoyed the process of learning. I pulled a 3.5 GPA and discovered that when I committed fully — mind, body, and soul — I could succeed at anything. I chose Kinesiology not to become a physical therapist, but because I wanted to master my own training. Baseball was still Plan A — but this time, I had a backup that aligned with my mindset of growth and self-reliance.
While I only keep in touch with a couple of people from that chapter, those years at Chapman shaped me profoundly. There were baseball games, late-night study sessions, and absurd pranks — like rolling hard-boiled eggs across the cafeteria walkway to see who would slip. But above all, I found identity. For the first time, I felt not just like a baseball player — but like a man with a mission.
Chapman taught me more than mechanics or strategy — it taught me how to prepare for life. I became more confident, more outgoing, and more focused. But even with all the success, I stayed grounded. I still called my parents every day. I was commuting in from Hollywood, working TV gigs part-time, and pursuing my dream full-time.
When I finally flew to Auburn, NY to start my pro career, I felt ready. I wasn’t intimidated by the D1 talent or the higher stakes — because I knew exactly who I was and why I was there. Chapman gave me the confidence to believe in myself — not just as an athlete, but as a man with purpose.
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