Jeff Berblinger
Goddard High School Class of 1989
Jeff Berblinger is a proud alumnus of Goddard High School, graduating in 1989. His roots in the Goddard community run deep, having attended Goddard Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Jeff fondly recalls the tight-knit community and small-town feel of Goddard, where lifelong friendships were formed and continue to this day.
From a young age, Jeff's love for sports was ignited at Goddard. One of his cherished memories was attending high school football games in elementary school, where he first fell in love with sports. His time at Goddard was marked by the influence of dedicated teachers who instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and positivity.
Jeff excelled both academically and athletically during his time at Goddard High School. He was a standout athlete, playing varsity basketball and baseball. As a senior, he led the Goddard Lions to their first-ever 5A State Baseball Tournament, earning All-State 5A Baseball honors and helping secure a #1 seed in the tournament.
His athletic prowess continued at the University of Kansas (KU), where he attended on a baseball scholarship. Jeff played second base for the KU Jayhawks and made significant contributions to the team. In 1993, as a senior, he helped lead the Jayhawks to the College World Series for the first time in the program's history and was named an All-American. Jeff concluded his collegiate career as one of the top run-scorers in KU Baseball history.
Jeff's professional baseball career began when he was chosen in the 7th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1993. He made his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 1997, becoming the first Goddard Schools product to play at the Major League level. Over his 10-year professional career, Jeff played for the Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations, as well as in independent professional baseball leagues.
Throughout his career, Jeff was known for his exceptional work ethic and leadership by example. He believed in the power of discipline and staying true to oneself, which helped him achieve his goals. His proudest professional moment was realizing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues.
Jeff's commitment to the community did not end with his professional career. He returned to the Wichita area, where he remains actively involved in baseball, coaching at the youth level. Jeff's humility, kindness, and dedication to his sport and community continue to inspire those around him.
Jeff Berblinger exemplifies the values and spirit of the Goddard community. His remarkable achievements, both on and off the field, make him a deserving inductee into the Goddard Education Foundation Hall of Fame. He remains a shining example of the type of driven professional and caring, confident, yet humble person that Goddard Schools consistently produce.