The 5’9 Hitter with a Passion for Excellence at the Plate

Brock Rodden is a machine. He was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 5th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Rodden, who plays infield, was drafted out of Wichita State University, where he earned 3rd Team All-American honors with the Shockers’ 2023 team. His impressive on-base numbers have garnered attention and surprised many, but he remains focused on self-improvement and maintaining his high-level performance.

Thus far, Rodden has set Funko Field and other Northwest League ballparks ablaze. He has not stopped for a breather as he continues to produce out-of-this-world numbers at the plate while making ESPN highlights with his defense. In 59 games, Brock scored 45 runs while compiling 73 hits. His 113 total bases led the AquaSox. He has produced sensational numbers. Seattle Sports Union was blessed with an opportunity to talk with Brock after a recent home game.

SSU: Thanks for joining us today, Brock. You remind me so much of Dustin Pedroia- my favorite baseball player over the last twenty years. He was and is quite a hero to me. You seem to have the best batter’s eye on this team. You hustle to the base during every at-bat. Your jersey is dirty! There isn’t a moment where you don’t go all out. Where does this come from, Brock?
BR: It comes from my dad. My whole life, my dad has instilled that mentality in me. It’s just the way I love to play this game. Every day I want to come out here, play hard, and compete. By the way, a few others have also mentioned my game was similar to Dustin Pedroia. I take that as a high compliment. Thank you.

SSU: Where are you from Brock? Where did you grow up?
BR: I grew up in the state of Oklahoma. It was a very small town just south of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The name of the city was Oktaha. I went to Oktaha High School with a graduating class of 60-plus kids I believe.

SSU: Wow! That’s pretty cool! You all probably knew each other pretty well. I also have to ask- Brock is a cool name. Where did your folks get that name?
BR: Haha. Thanks. I honestly can’t remember. It was from someone in the family. I believe it was somebody’s middle name. My parents loved the name so they stuck with it.

SSU: How old were you when you started playing baseball? What was it like playing for your father, who coached you in high school?
BR: I believe I was two or three years old, so pretty young. My dad got me involved and yes, he did coach me in high school. I had my good days and my bad days playing for him but I owe him everything. He taught me so much about the game of baseball. My dad never took a single day off and was constantly teaching me the game. If I wanted to get some extra work in, he always made himself available to me. My older brother also played a big part in my development. He was always there pushing me and making me a better competitor.

SSU: I heard you were a pitcher in high school. What was that like, and why did you stop? Would you ever pitch in an AquaSox game if they asked you to?
BR: I loved to pitch back in high school. To have the feeling of being in control of the baseball game and what happens was great. My dad knew what was best for me though; playing up the middle. Every once in a while, I do miss it. The other day I told Skip, “Hey, if you ever need it, you know, I got it,” in regards to if we ever need an extra arm. He is definitely aware.

SSU: Please share a favorite high school moment with your fans.
BR: One time in high school I threw a no-hitter and also hit for the cycle, so that was a pretty cool experience!

SSU: As for college, where did you attend and what did you major in?
BR: My first two years, I went to Seminole State Junior College. My first year was the COVID season, so that really didn’t count. I transferred eventually and played my final two years at Wichita State University- a school rich in history for sure. They had a great coaching staff. Former MLB player and one-time Seattle Mariners Manager Eric Wedge was in charge when I enrolled there. Pitching Coach Mike Pelfrey, who was also in the MLB for a long time, was there too. I learned a lot from all of them. Eric Wedge was a stickler for doing things the right way, which I really appreciated. It is something I look for in a coach. If it is laid out to us players early, it keeps us on the right track. As for my major, it was in Health Science.

SSU: Could you share a favorite college memory?
BR: There were many, but one in particular stands out. Against Oklahoma, I hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to take the lead. We ended up winning the game. Growing up in Oklahoma and being able to beat them with a home run was extra special.

SSU: You were drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. Where were you on draft day? Were you aware Seattle was interested in you?
BR: I was at home with my family and some close friends. It was perfect that way for me to have them around. I knew Seattle was looking at me, but I also had almost all 30 teams looking at me and talking to me at some point. For me, it was a coin toss. I wasn’t sure who would exactly draft me but that was okay. On draft day, I had teams calling me. It was nerve-wracking but also exciting. Next thing you know, I was headed to Seattle.

SSU: What things do you like to do in your free time?
BR: I am an avid bowhunter. Back in Oklahoma, I love to bowhunt whenever I get the opportunity to. I also really love to fish. I grew up on a lake where I fished and hunted whenever I wasn’t playing baseball.

SSU: Last summer, after you signed with Seattle, where did they have you play?
BR: After a brief moment in Arizona, I finished my summer in Modesto with the Nuts. We won a championship- what a thrill that was! The team and coaching staff were incredible. We all were a tight bunch. It was pretty amazing to finish my college career and go win a championship with Modesto shortly after.

SSU: 2024 comes calling. Seattle assigns you to Everett to play for the AquaSox. What was your first impression of the city of Everett?
BR: It was cold and wet. Typical northwest weather I guess, but it’s been great and it’s still amazing to be a part of this baseball club and the city of Everett. The coaching staff has been unbelievable. They’ve got a lot of fire. We show up to work every day and work really hard at our jobs, and it’s because of them. They make it exciting and fun and help us get better each day. My teammates are also great to play with and great to get to know. Just like in Modesto, we are all bonded together as one. Everyone has each other’s backs. We are competing to climb the ladder to the big leagues but we are also all friends. I can’t ask for anything else.

SSU: What’s it like playing for the best manager in the Northwest League, Coach Ryan Scott?
BR: It’s awesome! He has lots of confidence in me which builds me up and makes me perform better. He’s a lot like my dad. If we need anything extra such as hitting, more ground balls, or whatever the case might be, Coach Ryan is always there for us.

SSU: Would you consider yourself to be a power hitter or a contact hitter?
BR: I would like to think that I can hit for some power at times. I don’t think that is my full identity though. I like to consider myself a pretty well-rounded hitter too.

SSU: What is your secret, Brock?
BR: Most hitters, actually all hitters, want to get on base. That is the goal, right? I just go up there with the mentality to get on-base. Once contact is made, it’s important to run hard out of the box and try to beat out that infield hit. It helps your on-base percentage and average by hustling down that line on every play. That’s how to play the game the right way and I like to think I follow that philosophy.

SSU: Besides Funko Field, what are your favorite ballparks to play at?
BR: For sure Vancouver. The atmosphere alone is contagious. I love to play in a full stadium and up there, every game is a sellout. I love hitting in Spokane as well so I will say “Spokane.” Did I pronounce that right?

SSU: What do you want to do after your baseball career is over?
BR: There are a few things I probably could be doing, but most likely I would love to be a travel nurse. That would be pretty cool.

SSU: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Who did you model your game after?
BR: Ken Griffey Jr. for sure. He still has the best swing in the game of all-time.

SSU: What’s your favorite sports movie, and who plays Brock Rodden in your Hollywood movie?
BR: The Sandlot is my favorite sports movie. As for playing the role of Brock Rodden, that’s a tough one. Can I say Tom Cruise? Let’s go with Tom Cruise. He’s a good one to play me.

SSU: Last question, Brock. The younger fans of Funko want to know; What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
BR: Chocolate. I am pretty neutral. I don’t like toppings on my ice cream either, in case you were wondering. I appreciate that you took the time to talk with me. I had fun. Have a great rest of your night!

SSU: Brock, what a pleasure it was to meet you! All the best to you and your career. We can’t wait to see you in the big leagues one day. I kid you not Frog Nation, we have another star on the horizon. Come out and see him play before he heads east.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shari Sommerfeld

ABOUT SEATTLE SPORTS UNION: SSU is a group of passionate fans following teams in the Seattle area. Their podcast involves interviews with local sports figures and commentary. Podcasts can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Youtube, you can also find them on the web at seattlesportsunion.com

ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Everett is a member of the Northwest League and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the AquaSox moniker in 1995. For updates on the 2024 season, community initiatives and Webbly appearances follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or visit our website, AquaSox.com. Season tickets, ticket plans, group outings, and picnics outings can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.