The Elon alumnus’ passion for “America’s pastime” and flair for storytelling have made him one of the brightest rising voices in professional baseball.
Javik Blake ’23 loves going to the ballpark. And Minor League Baseball has taken notice.
The Biloxi Shuckers broadcaster and media relations manager has been named the 2025 MiLB Future Star of the Year, an honor recognizing the top Minor League Baseball employee under 25. The award was announced Oct. 6 at the MiLB Awards Show during the league’s annual Business Summit in Indianapolis.
For Blake, who earned several national accolades as an Elon undergraduate, the award caps a rapid rise through the professional baseball ranks. Since joining the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers three seasons ago, he’s become one of the sport’s most promising young voices – known for his passion, professionalism and storytelling on the mic and behind the scenes.
“It was really special to be acknowledged by my peers,” said Blake, following the award ceremony. “I was a finalist last year and didn’t win, so to get this recognition this time means a lot. All of us in Minor League Baseball put in an unbelievable number of hours during the season, so it’s rewarding to see hard work recognized.”
After graduating early following Elon’s Winter Term – just in time for the start of the 2023 season – Blake joined the Shuckers as a broadcasting and media relations assistant and quickly made an impression. When an unexpected opportunity elevated him to lead broadcaster, he didn’t hesitate. His steady voice, sharp preparation and ability to connect with fans helped make him an integral part of the organization.
In addition to calling games, Blake oversees press releases, game notes, postgame recaps and the team’s annual media guide. He coordinates player interviews and community appearances, produces graphics and features for social media, and manages the club’s website. Under his direction, the Shuckers have seen measurable growth online, including a 70% increase in engagement with player-content posts. The team also ranks among the Southern League’s top performers in impressions and video views on X – formerly Twitter – despite being its smallest market.
Blake’s “Shuckers On Deck” pregame show has been applauded for blending insider storytelling with fan giveaways and sponsor highlights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at players’ personalities and routines. He also engineers all radio broadcasts, builds commercial inventories and creative audio elements, and secures partnerships that fully fund the team’s broadcast operations. His efforts recently produced a five-year broadcast extension through 2030.
“Javik’s value to the Shuckers organization cannot be overstated,” said Hunter Reed, general manager of the Biloxi Shuckers. “We have a strong history of great people in this role, but he has elevated every aspect of operations in broadcasting, social media and media relations. He’s truly a special talent and individual.”
Off the field, Blake is dedicated to fostering the next generation of storytellers. He mentors student broadcasters and launched the Junior Journalism and Junior Broadcaster programs, which give Gulf Coast students hands-on experience with interviews, photography and live production. He also partners with Gulfport High School’s sports broadcasting class, guiding students as they build their own broadcasts.
“This award is the culmination of so many different experiences and opportunities that I’m so thankful for,” said Blake in his award release. “There are so many things that go into doing the job outside of just showing up and calling a game, and there are a lot of people to thank who have had a part in getting me to this point.”