Could you see the pieces in place as they started to make progress? Family Photos: Elizabeth Bennett Family (12 KB) Uncle Paul Brunning and Ron Blomberg. He was given a full share of the winners pot, $27,758.04.18. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about unspecified position Ron Blomberg on ESPN. Cadet branches. In 1973, Blomberg batted .338 (96-for-284) against righties and .176 (3-for-17) versus lefties. For years, Blomberg has been asked why he thinks Munson has been left out of the Hall of Fame, and the usual refrain is that he didnt cozy up to the media as a player. Ronald Mark Blomberg (born August 23, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia), nicknamed Boomer, is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter, first baseman and right fielder. They finished the year with an 89-73 record in second place, two games behind Baltimore. Hitting is his best feature and his running is above average. Blomberg was not receiving much of an opportunity to face southpaws. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and I told Diana Munson I was going to do everything I can to get him into the Hall of Fame. Rocco is a baseball writer with too much time on his hands who lives in the dusty corners of Baseball Reference. On April 26, 1974, they acquired first baseman Chris Chambliss, and pitchers Dick Tidrow and Cecil Upshaw from Cleveland in exchange for four pitchers: Fritz Peterson, Tom Buskey, Fred Beene and Steve Kline. 1 Obituaries, Atlanta Constitution, April 22, 2961: 18. AL owners realized it was a 14-13 slugfest that put fans in the seats, not a 1-0 pitchers duel. 176 pages, Hardcover. He was supposed to be the Yankees' next big star, a strapping, golden-haired slugger out of Atlanta blessed with a sweet lefty swing, the gift of gab and a laid-back Southern charm that instantly endeared him to a tough New York crowd. Today the GHSA shows the 1987 title as "vacated." Bell, who died Tuesday at age 76, was one of Georgia's iconic basketball coaches. [17], Being in Israel, Blomberg said, was the greatest thing just one notch below playing for the Yankees. In the league they were obliged to have at least two Jewish players on each team, and Blomberg had two Orthodox Israelis on his. Expansion caused each league to be split into two divisions of six teams apiece. Blomberg appeared in three more games, starting twice, and went 3-for-6. Ive done an awful lot on Facebook and radio and did a lot of Zoom interviews and the book will help too. But before anyone in baseball heard of him, Blomberg signed a letter of intent to play college basketball for head coach John Wooden at UCLA. When U. Paul was visiting from El Cajon, California. Despite the surface differences, the two men would form a close attachment as they ignited a youth movement with the 1970s Yankees. So, when I was young, I pulled for the Yankees and Mickey Mantle was my hero. The following spring, with his shoulder healed, Blomberg was having an outstanding spring training. Being a number one pick like myself, we became good friends. Situated between a Ritter ( Chevalier) and a Graf ( Comte ), its modern equivalent is Baron. He was replaced by Bill Virdon, a center fielder for the Pirates in the 1960s who had managed the Bucs the previous two seasons. The pitching didnt make any difference to me when I was growing up. 15 Phil Pepe, Blomberg Faces Lefties in Desperation Move, The Sporting News, June 15, 1974: 16. First published March 1, 2006. In 1971, Blomberg began the season at Syracuse. New York Mets. The matter reaches the Fhrer. As back-to-backNo. April 6, 1973. The team was basically just a tax write off for them. With Bobby Bonds in right field and three first basemen (Chambliss, Otto Velez, and Bob Oliver) I might as well donate my gloves to charity,16 said Blomberg. He was the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history. He was drafted first overall by the Yankees in 1967. Once I signed with the Yankees, I could not play any type of college sports, said Blomberg. I saw it. On April 6, 1973, Blomberg, nursing a sore hamstring, faced Boston's Luis Tiant, becoming the game's first-ever designated hitter. 0. 555 N. Central Ave. #416 his net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. And so, he wore his religion on his sleeve. When Ron Blomberg stepped up to the plate for the New York Yankees on April 6, 1973, he knew he was making history. Ron Blomberg, better known by her family name Ronald Mark Blomberg, is a popular American Athlete. Ron Blomberg girlfriend, wife list. He has ranked on the list of those famous people who were born on August 23, 1948. You played in an era with some great catchers like Carlton Fisk, Johnny Bench and Gary Carter. 33 talking about this. We are offering a discount with the Hall Of Fame package so you can have one shirt autographed to keep and one to love. On April 6, 1973, Ron Blomberg took a swing at home plate that changed baseball history. I can play. 1 draft picks for the New York Yankees, Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson made for an odd couple. He walked in with that big barrel chest and said, You just follow me. After some initial dawdling and tinkering with the rules of the new position, the AL put the DH in play for the 1973 season. Even though he was Jewish, my relationship was not good with pitcher Steve Stone. The Yankees and Blomberg agreed on a contract reportedly worth $90,000.4 I feel that Ronnie is the best pro prospect to come along in several years, said New York general manager Lee MacPhail. On October 22, New York shipped Bobby Murcer to San Francisco for Bobby Bonds. For his career, he hit .304 against right-handers, and .304 with two out and runners in scoring position, as well as .325 when the score was tied. One last question for you: are there any final thoughts youd like to leave for our readers? One of those offers came from UCLA, and Blomberg signed a letter of intent to play for coach John Wooden and the Bruins. Thats what my book The Captain and Me is about. [8] He tore his knee in the 1977 exhibition season when he hit the outfield wall, and missed that season too. You came up to the Yankees during a tough period, but they were building the team up to that late-70s success. Ron retired from baseball in 1979, having earned both a special place in baseball history and the admiration of baseball fans all over the world. You now can have me personalize your copy with an inscription and autograph. Blomberg is in high demand as a motivational speaker, telling his story of perseverance and his successes. Ron Blomberg - 1978 Ron Blomberg is someone that the White Sox should have avoided. By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Captain & Me sharestalesof clubhouse hijinks during the infamous Bronx Zoo era,adventures on the road, and even rubbing shoulders with mobsters. At the age of 72 years, Ron Blomberg weight not available right now. 12 Jim Ogle, Blombergs First DH Bat Earns Cooperstown Niche, The Sporting News, April 28, 1973: 17. The Yankees played their home slate at the Mets Shea Stadium for the 1974 and 1975 seasons. On this day in 1973, New York Yankees first baseman Ron Blomberg became the first designated hitter in MLB history. Werner von Blomberg German officer minister of defence 1933-1938 Blomberg during a manoeuvre of the German army Photo: Kuehlewindt - probably in 1934. . [7], Blomberg managed the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox in the 2007 inaugural season of the Israel Baseball League. But for now, were making the case for Munson, so come along as we go Spitballin with Ron Blomberg. This time, the injury was in a different location and he traveled to California to have surgery on April 16 to mend the tendinitis in his biceps. At 1:53 p.m., New York's Ron Blomberg became Major League Baseball's first designated hitter when he took ball one. I lit everyones candles for every bar mitzvah in the city. We can go on about Thurman for days, but I dont want to sell you short either. Ron Blomberg, better known by her family name Ronald Mark Blomberg, is a popular American Athlete. The Blombergs operated a jewelry store on Alabama Street in Atlanta. But as he was entering his prime, injuries cost Blomberg . Thurman Munson was obviously a huge part of that revival. I love to play, but I know Im a better hitter than anything else. Darryl Hinton One story about Blomberg occurred away from the diamond. Your book has already gained a lot of attention and it hasnt even been officially released yet. Contact SABR, LnRiLWhlYWRpbmcuaGFzLWJhY2tncm91bmR7cGFkZGluZzowfQ==, LnRiLWZpZWxke21hcmdpbi1ib3R0b206MC43NmVtfS50Yi1maWVsZC0tbGVmdHt0ZXh0LWFsaWduOmxlZnR9LnRiLWZpZWxkLS1jZW50ZXJ7dGV4dC1hbGlnbjpjZW50ZXJ9LnRiLWZpZWxkLS1yaWdodHt0ZXh0LWFsaWduOnJpZ2h0fS50Yi1maWVsZF9fc2t5cGVfcHJldmlld3twYWRkaW5nOjEwcHggMjBweDtib3JkZXItcmFkaXVzOjNweDtjb2xvcjojZmZmO2JhY2tncm91bmQ6IzAwYWZlZTtkaXNwbGF5OmlubGluZS1ibG9ja311bC5nbGlkZV9fc2xpZGVze21hcmdpbjowfQ==, 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, https://sabr.org/sites/default/files/ron-blomberg.jpg, /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sabr_logo.png, https://totalspecialtycamps.org/excel-in-sports/baseball/. I kind of see Thurman and I like the guys in the movie Bang the Drum Slowly. Blomberg finished it off within a half hour and asked for seconds. [14], In 2007 Blomberg received the city of Atlantas Phoenix Award from Mayor Shirley Franklin for his outstanding service and achievements, both as a professional athlete and citizen through his charitable works in Atlanta and throughout the country. Or so he says. $0.86. People will see him different after reading this. Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312-676-4256, b.ames@triumphbooks.com . Despite receiving 125 college basketball scholarships including one from John Wooden at UCLA,. The Blombergs operated a jewelry store on Alabama Street in Atlanta. If Ralph thinks I can help most by being the DH, then its all right with me, he said. We had supper quite late, about six, and he needed a snack after school.9 A snack that would make Fred Flintstone blush. This has been really enjoyable and its great to hear how much Thurman Munson meant to you personally and its really fantastic you are pushing him for the Hall of Fame. Add or change photo on IMDbPro Add to list More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy 1 nomination total Known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 8.3 Set Decorator (as Ron Von Blomberg) 2004 (64 KB) Taken at Mallard Pointe, Cedar Falls, Iowa, in May 2002. Ron Blomberg - 1st Major League Baseball - Designated Hitter Speaking Engagements History is made 1st DH in MLB History In the beginning Drafted #1 Overall 1967 When it started MLB Debut Sept. 10th 1969 Batted Left Career Avg .293 The career NY Yankees (69, 71-76) Chicago White Sox (78) MLB'S FIRST DESIGNATED HITTER, EVER He remains the only person to ever receive Parade All-American honors in baseball, football and basketball and naturally he gained a lot of attention from professional and college scouts. It was a small sampling of his ability, but a promising one. I think fans like to read about those kinds of guys. 1992 The Wiz/American Express New York Yankees of the '60's - [Base] #_ROBL. 4 Jim Ogle, Yanks Nab Top Pick Blomberg For $90,000, The Sporting News, July 8, 1967: 13. Von Blomberg first met Gruhn while taking a stroll through the Tiergarten in Berlin in September 1937. I hope he does. I got drafted number one in the country and I got to play for the best team in the world. People connect with that. It was the greatest rush of my life, he said. In retirement, Blomberg has stayed close to the game he loved so much. The deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself. Ron von Blomberg is known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Warrior (2011) and Pride and Glory (2008). 7 Able Goldblatt, Is Blomberg the Next Mantle? If somebody said something to me along those lines, it made me even stronger. 1 overall pick in the 1967 MLB draft. Please help Baseball Wiki by revising it. I signed a letter of intent to play basketball for John Wooden at UCLA and when you put your name on it back then, it was like a contract. After some initial testing of the shoulder, doctors determined that the injured biceps muscle may heal on its own. He was the victim of a platoon system once again, facing right-handed pitchers in 140 at bats and only 16 at-bats against lefties. You know, I can always tell people the Yankees beat the Mets in Israel too. The book is a deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself. You can follow Ron Blomberg on Twitter @RonBlomberg1 and at www.RonBlombergYankees.com. After the harness was removed, surgery was not deemed necessary, and he spent four hours a day rehabilitating his shoulder. [1], Over eight seasons, Blomberg compiled a .293 batting average (391-for-1,333) with 52 home runs, 224 RBIs, 184 runs, 67 doubles, and 8 triples in 461 games. One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta who cheerfully talked . They used that pick to select Blomberg, and as a result he cancelled his plan of attending UCLA. The deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself. But hes right, I didnt know anyone. I lived my dream. Through the end of May, he was batting .203 and, after hitting three homers in April, he went without a home run for 18 games until he hit his fourth on June 15. In 1969, four minor leagues were given permission to experiment with using a substitute hitter. There would be new faces on the field and off as the Yankees and Blomberg looked towards 1974. But it was the International League whose use of the permanent pinch-hitter that led to the designated hitter of today. Ron Blomberg, Major League Baseballs first designated hitter and the "great Jewish hope" of the New York Yankees during the 1970's, is an icon of boyhood dreams achieved. After his retirement from baseball in 1978, Blomberg worked with numerous charitable organizations, most recently the Israel Cancer Research Fund, where he serves as honorary chairman and spokesperson. He did everything he could to get a winner, and he did. Blomberg grew up in Atlanta and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who had a better career as a young athlete. Thanks for joining us, Mr. Blomberg. [12], The White Sox signed Blomberg as a free agent for $300,000 in 1978. 22 from. On Popular Bio, He is one of the successful Baseball Player. Ron Blomberg was the number one over-all pick in the 1967 amateur draft and made his Yankee debut on September 10, 1969. Youre basically pinch-hitting for the pitcher four times in the same game11, With two down in the top of the first inning, the Yankees loaded the bases to bring Blomberg to the plate. Against right-handed pitchers, he tore the cover off the ball. Ron is on a mission to bring Thurman Munson into the halls of Cooperstown and be immortalizedamongst the greats. Blomberg marriage. [2], Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Blomberg is Jewish with roots in Romania. GFM Werner von Blomberg, then Germany's defence minister, married Margarethe Gruhn at the War Ministry on January 12, 1938. 2 Bid - 1972 Topps Set-Break #203 Ron Blomberg NR-MINT *GMCARDS* $ 0.79. A terrible scandal. It was after 7 on Monday night July 20, and the aging ex ball player had every reason to. He also ran a baseball day camp in Paramus, New Jersey in the 1970s. I had an opportunity to fulfill my dream. Ron is a phenomenal celebrity influencer. The league lasted one year, and my team was the champion and we beat Art for it. Hundreds of camera shutters clicked in unison. On April 6, 1973, Ron Blomberg ruined baseball. I am a steak and potato guy; I didnt like Mediterranean food. In 1971 he was hitting .326 with a .565 slugging percentage for the Yankees AAA team, the Syracuse Chiefs, when the Yankees called him up to the major leagues. by Ed Botti Reprinted from: June 3, 2021 *** Recently I had the privilege of "interviewing" ex-Yankee Ron Blomberg, and discussing his new memoir "The Captain and Me". All rights reserved. It wouldnt be fair to the other guys. He resides in Roswell, Georgia, with his second wife, Beth. Blomberg returned to the lineup in a month. Product details Publisher : Triumph Books; First Edition (April 20, 2021) Language : English There are a handful of players who most agree belong in the Hall of Fame who played during Blombergs era. I dont know if Im supposed to say it, but theres even been some talk about making a documentary about it, thats how good it is. Eventually, hell hit left-handed pitching, but now, he doesnt have the same swing against them that he does against right-handed pitching, said Houk. 21 Richard Dozer, Sox Give up on Ron Blomberg, Chicago Tribune, March 31, 1979: 2-1. He played for the New York Yankees (1969, 19711976) and Chicago White Sox (1978), and was the manager of the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox in the Israel Baseball League (2007). The home run wasnt the biggest thrill, said Blomberg. I got to put on the Pinstripes. . All this happened in 1970, a long time ago, before baseball had battered Ron Blomberg's body, and before the New York Yankees had become the Bronx Zoo. The story of Rons life and career is one that can inspire anyone to believe that their goals, no matter how difficult they may appear, can be achieved by maintaining a positive, determined attitude. On July 31, New York sported a 51-52 record, tied with Milwaukee for fourth place. He played in Major League Baseball as a designated hitter, first baseman, and right fielder. You mentioned Mickey Mantle was your hero. But this is the one book that looks at Thurman off the field and the friendship we had. You can tell how much you love being a Yankee. This unforgettable story is the journey of one man as he learns to balance life, religion, and ultimately, baseball. }, Cronkite School at ASU Diana Munson was the wife of Yankee great Thurman Munson. Show your support and love for this mission with a shirt personally designed by Ron and his team. Then he saw the crowd joining them to daven behind the food concession. The New York Yankees owned the first draft selection in the free agent draft on June 6, 1967. Ron Blomberg was born in Atlanta, GA on August 23, 1948. He told you I didnt know my players names, but did he tell you we won the championship too? He clubbed two home runs in a game at Minnesota on August 1 and again at Kansas City on August 28. I got to put on the Pinstripes. When I was healthy, I did well, but my career was about injuries unfortunately, so I dont feel like I fulfilled the potential that I had. I ran into a wall in Spring Training. The designated hitter still remains a controversial topic, with fans either loving or hating the position. Virdon also employed a platoon system, using Bill Sudakis, Roy White, and Blomberg in the role of the DH. We had so much fun, but he was right, I had no idea who they were. Gruhn was a 26-year-old typist and secretary, but the Berlin police had a long criminal file on her and her mother, a former prostitute. On the day, he was 2-for-5 with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored in the Yankees 12-2 victory. Blomberg had previously declined an offer from the Yankees to manage a team in their minor system. Yankee fans love you and you always get a great reception at Old Timers Day. The Chicago White Sox signed Ron Blomberg in 1978 after he played for a decade in the New York Yankees . If not, the bill was $25. Blomberg was switched to first base for the 1972 season, where he split time with Felipe Alou, starting 90 games. It was co-written by Dan Schlossberg, the author of over 30 baseball books, including The Baseball Catalog, and host of the syndicated radio show, BallTalk. He was the second son born to Sol and Goldie Rae (nee Sisselman) Blomberg. I felt it tear when I swung and I knew I was in more trouble, said Blomberg. Im gonna lead you to be a good team. Thats why he became the captain. Where he lives: Blomberg, 68, resides in Roswell and has been married to Beth for 34 years. Along with being the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history, he played for the New York Yankees (1969, 1971-76) and Chicago White . He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina. I lived my dream., The Case of the Missing Folder: A Two-Part Hollywood Mystery. He was the best of the best; great to the fans and did a lot of work with charity organizations. [1], Blomberg was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Joe Pepitone was there. He attended DeKalb Junior College part-time, and later majored in psychology at Farleigh Dickinson University.[6]. What was your first impression of George Steinbrenner? One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta, who cheerfully talked anyone's ear off at the . Every club in baseball had him high on their draft list, but since we got first choice, we got him.5, Signing with the Yankees was a dream come true for Blomberg. Register now to join us on March 10-12, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ. In 2007, he was the manager of the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox of the first ever Israel Baseball League. But I am gradually catching on.8. Youre talking about three Hall of Famers right off the bat. You dont find many guys who came onto a team as a 22-year-old rookie and get the respect of the older guys, but thats what he did and thats why I think he was the best team captain ever. They took me down on the field to take batting practice and Mickey Mantle was walking around. Ron Blomberg Getty. Thurman was Ron's close personal friend and nothing is more important to Ron than to see him in the Hall Of Fame. The couple tied the knot on October 25, 1970, in Elmira. I also had a football scholarship with Bear Bryant at Alabama. [8] Roger Couch, Blomberg's basketball coach, said: "Blomberg is the finest basketball player I ever saw high school or college. But he didn't . He was the guy that kept everything together; he was the guy that brought the New York Yankees back. It's the story of a Designated Hebrew?and there is no other tale quite like it. W. Taijuan Walker (1-0) L. Joan Adon (1-6) In 2021, Blomberg, along with Dan Epstein, authored The Captain and Me: On and Off the Field with Thurman Munson. They named a sandwich after me at the Stage Deli! After youve been on an operating table and theyve taken half your body apart, youre just happy getting your white uniform dirty again.20. He runs the Ron Blomberg Baseball camp in association with Total Specialty Camps, offering instruction in all facets of the game from the camps location in Milford, Pennsylvania.23 He is a yearly participant at the Yankees fantasy camp and one of the more popular instructors. Piniella, the 1969 AL Rookie of the Year, would be a mainstay in the outfield in New York for the next 11 years. I saw it. 19 Jack Lang, Blomberg to Sign Chis 600g Pact, New York Daily News, November 15, 1977: 82. Ron Blomberg is an American former professional baseball player and minor league manager. But Art and I became very good friends. On March 30, 1979, his career came to a screeching halt. Ron Blomberg, the first designated hitter. Blombergs Opening Day homer was the highlight of his year. NEW YORK -- Ron Blomberg is best known for playing with the Yankees and becoming the first designated hitter in 1973. Although the concept had been discussed since the middle of the 1900's, when the great Connie Mack himself first proposed the idea, the designated hitter took a long time . He was the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history. Yankees Can Dream, Cant They? The Sporting News, May 11, 1968: 42. Being able to come up to New York where there was a large Jewish population was a fantasy for me. They didnt accept that I was Jewish and didnt want me to get involved, even though the meetings were supposed to be non-denominational.22. Through a quirk of fate the young Jewish Yankee became the first designated hitter to play an MLB game. Against the left-handers, I know if I never get a hit, Im never going to see them again, and all that adds to pressure, he said. Since then, New York had swiftly descended in the AL standings, finishing in last place in 1966. But the Bombers were swept by Cincinnati in the World Series. On June 30, manager Bob Lemon was fired and replaced by Larry Doby. And trust me, when he lays that moniker on you in conversation, you feel like youre one of his old Yankee pals he reveres so much. [6] He was chosen for the Parade All-American teams in football, basketball, and baseball, the only person ever chosen for all three teams. He would get in your face in a second if he didnt like something, but that was only at the ballpark. In1971, he hit .322 for the parent club in 199 at bats. 13 Dave Anderson, The House that Blomberg Remodeled, New York Times, June 2, 1973: 23. Can you talk about Thurman and the Baseball Hall of Fame? No matter what, he was gonna bring the Yankees to meet his highest expectations of himself and the fans. Blomberg grew up in Atlanta and youd be hard-pressed to find someone who had a better career as a young athlete. That trip was great. Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, NetWorth & Know More. The designated hitter may have been created partially in response to the Year of the Pitcher in 1968 when hurlers dominated baseball. He batted left-handed, and threw right-handed. Ronald Mark Blomberg (born August 23, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia), nicknamed Boomer, is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter, first baseman, and right fielder. He started in right field in a home game against Washington on June 25 and stroked a two-run homer off the Senators Pete Broberg in the bottom of the third inning. Fans love that team and the stories. He experienced some pain in his reconstructed right knee which contributed to diminished playing time. I have a couple more questions for you. 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