Wow, that must have been an incredible feeling. Thus, Blomberg would see some more action. As back-to-back #1 draft picks for the New York Yankees, Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson made for an odd couple. On this day in 1973, New York Yankees first baseman Ron Blomberg became the first designated hitter in MLB history. What was your first impression of George Steinbrenner? Thanks for joining us, Mr. Blomberg. Maddox started in center field for most of the games (108) during the 1974 season. 13 Dave Anderson, The House that Blomberg Remodeled, New York Times, June 2, 1973: 23. Like Blomberg, Chambliss was a left-handed batter, and he would be the starting first sacker for the next several seasons. 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. 10 Jack Lang, Wild-Card Hitter to Get Trial in Four Minors Majors Watch Closely, The Sporting News, February 15, 1969: 45. We had supper quite late, about six, and he needed a snack after school.9 A snack that would make Fred Flintstone blush. After the game, His bat and his number 12 jersey were sent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Blomberg appeared in three more games, starting twice, and went 3-for-6. Unfortunately, he didnt get elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame because he didnt have that relationship with the writers. The designated hitter still remains a controversial topic, with fans either loving or hating the position. 176 pages, Hardcover. He wasnt this tough guy away from the field like he was in the locker room. There are a handful of players who most agree belong in the Hall of Fame who played during Blombergs era. He resides in Roswell, Georgia, with his second wife, Beth. We had so much fun, but he was right, I had no idea who they were. Despite the new position, Blomberg still had a productive offensive season. He was in the major leagues to stay, but the Yankee franchise was in a downturn. Let me stop you there, he told you I didnt know any of the players names, didnt he? A lot of the writers didnt talk to him after games because he was tough. Blomberg has been running a summer baseball camp for kids at the New Jersey Y Camps since 2006. One of Munson's closest friends and teammates was Ron Blomberg,. But some day, Ill be in the lineup every day. When Ron Blomberg stepped up to the plate for the New York Yankees on April 6, 1973, he knew he was making history. Just as Blomberg was coming into his prime, he missed virtually two full seasons. Blomberg returned to the lineup in a month. As back-to-backNo. 3 Bid - 2003 Upper Deck Yankees Signature Series Pride Of New York Ron Blomberg Auto $ 3.25. You mentioned Mickey Mantle was your hero. Blomberg had previously declined an offer from the Yankees to manage a team in their minor system. You came up to the Yankees during a tough period, but they were building the team up to that late-70s success. I cant blame him for wanting to catch on right away in the majors. [6] He was chosen for the Parade All-American teams in football, basketball, and baseball, the only person ever chosen for all three teams. You know, I can always tell people the Yankees beat the Mets in Israel too. So, when I was young, I pulled for the Yankees and Mickey Mantle was my hero. Ronald Mark Blomberg (born August 23, 1948), nicknamed "Boomer", is an American former professional baseball player and minor league manager. When he bought the team, he did everything he could to make that team go. A lot of the guys on the team were crazy, but he was able to mold them into a great team. Thurman Munson was obviously a huge part of that revival. Ron Blomberg Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com Ron Blomberg Positions: Designated Hitter, First Baseman and Rightfielder Bats: Left Throws: Right 6-1 , 195lb (185cm, 88kg) Born: August 23, 1948 (Age: 74-186d) in Atlanta, GA us More bio, uniform, draft, salary info 12 10 His contract was the cause of much derision and booing from the Comiskey Park fan base. He played for the New York Yankees (1969, 1971-76) and Chicago White Sox (1978), and was the manager of the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox in the Israel Baseball League (2007). His first stop on the Yankees minor league chain was Johnson City, Tennessee, in the Rookie Appalachian League. Oh, absolutely. . 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. On March 30, 1979, his career came to a screeching halt. Please help Baseball Wiki by revising it. I grew up hearing anti-Semitic talk a lot, said Blomberg. [1], Blomberg was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. [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. The former NL star had signed with the Red Sox in the off season after playing a year in Oakland in 1972. The Blomberg-Fritsch affair began soon after the marriage on 12 January 1938 of the War Minister Werner von Blomberg to Erna Gruhn, when the Berlin police discovered she had a long criminal record and had posed for pornographic photographs. We now have Captain Long Sleeve T-Shirts in our store as a way to help Ron and his efforts to get The Captain into the HOF. In this heart-warming autobiography, now in paperback, Blomberg relives the moment that made his career and the countless experiences before and after that helped boost him to legendary heights. He is survived by his wife with whom he recently celebrated their fifty wedding anniversary, Jan . But as he was entering his prime, injuries cost Blomberg . Expect More. He played in Major League Baseball as a designated hitter, first baseman, and right fielder. I got on that field and took batting practice with Mickey Mantle. Luckily, I did, and it was great!6, Like most young players, Blomberg was leaving home alone for the first time. 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). Thats what my book The Captain and Me is about. He touched thousands of people as a coach at Peshtigo . The Yankees made three personnel moves, and each had a direct bearing on the playing time of Blomberg. Thats so great, Mr. Shamsky seemed to enjoy his time there too. "I grew up hearing anti-Semitic talk a lot," said Blomberg. Blomberg's fame, as it is, came from being the first big-league designated hitter and from the charitable work he has done since he retirement. The team was basically just a tax write off for them. I got to play in the greatest city in the world for the greatest organization there is. Today the GHSA shows the 1987 title as "vacated." Bell, who died Tuesday at age 76, was one of Georgia's iconic basketball coaches. Despite his absence, Blombergs teammates did not forget about him. [9], Blomberg was selected by the Yankees with the first overall pick of the 1967 amateur draft, and signed for $75,000 ($610,000 today). As a result of these injuries, Blomberg missed the entire 1977 season. They used that pick to select Blomberg, and as a result he cancelled his plan of attending UCLA. In 2008, he and author Dan Schlossberg wrote his autobiography, Designated Hebrew, which was published by Sports Publishing. With cold, damp conditions clouding the opening-day festivities at Boston's Fenway Park, New York Yankees manager Ralph Houk opted. If Ron would just go spend a month or two at Des Moines, getting his stroke back, who knows? said new Sox manager Don Kessinger. Ron Blomberg, the first designated hitter in baseball history, talks about his historic at-bat in 1973 and why he thinks DH players should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. It inspired his nickname and the title of his biography, "Designated Hebrew: The Ron Blomberg Story." The former Yankee is also. July 24, 2021 A synagogue firebombing occurred just three blocks from our house and made national headlines, said Blomberg, as depicted in the movie Driving Miss Daisy. Hundreds of camera shutters clicked in unison. As the saying goes, Peel an onion and there are lots of layers. Although his career on the baseball diamond may have come to an abrupt halt, he was still able to be a positive influence as well as enriching others through his works as a motivational speaker and his annual youth baseball camp. 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. He added a .360 on-base percentage and a .473 slugging average. I kind of see Thurman and I like the guys in the movie Bang the Drum Slowly. It's still possible to cover up - if only the 55 year old general Wilhelm Keitel, head of a department at the War Ministry, whose career Blomberg fostered - his daughter was married to Keitel's son - would cooperate. The restaurant offered a deal whereas if the customer ate a 72-ounce steak and all the trimmings within an hour, the meal was free. He was a great businessman, and he was tough. The pitching didnt make any difference to me when I was growing up. Can you talk about Thurman and the Baseball Hall of Fame? Along with being the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history, he . I met so many great people in my career and anytime I get back to New York City, everyone treats me so great. Now, over 40 years after Munson's shocking death in a plane crash at age 32, Blombergopens upto author Dan Epsteinabout the beloved Yankees captain in an extraordinary memoir that reaches far beyond baseball. Fans will really enjoy it. Ilived in Riverdale, and when I was injured, people came up to me and waved to me and hugged me. 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. NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 17: Former player Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees is introduced during the New York Yankees 72nd Old Timers Day game before the Yankees play against the Tampa Bay Rays at . I didnt blend in to the Chicago clubhouse as well as I had hoped. Mara was a senior at Syracuse University, and the next season, Blomberg was promoted to Syracuse in the AAA International League. That trip was great. Blomberg finished it off within a half hour and asked for seconds. 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. Injuries ended Blombergs time in the Bronx. Against right-handed pitchers, he tore the cover off the ball. He likes early 20th century baseball nicknames, pullover polyester jerseys and Old Hoss Radbourn. Ronald Mark Blomberg , nicknamed "Boomer", is an American former professional baseball player and minor league manager. [7], Blomberg managed the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox in the 2007 inaugural season of the Israel Baseball League. background-color:#ba3434; Thurman was Ron's close personal friend and nothing is more important to Ron than to see him in the Hall Of Fame. People connect with that. The matter reaches the Fhrer. [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. Ron Blomberg is an American former professional baseball player and minor league manager. 1 overall pick in the 1967 MLB draft. In 1973, Blomberg batted .338 (96-for-284) against righties and .176 (3-for-17) versus lefties. $0.86. Bostons DH was Orlando Cepeda. The best result we found for your search is Ron W Blomberg age 70s in Lebanon, TN. The deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself. 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 has ranked on the list of those famous people who were born on August 23, 1948. 16 Insiders Say, The Sporting News, April 19, 1975: 6. This is Ron's. 1976 HOSTESS PANEL CARD #37 JOSE CARDENAL #38 RON BLOMBERG #39 LEE STANTON $ 15.00. I got drafted when I was 17 and they took me and my mom and dad on a trip up to New York City. But this is the one book that looks at Thurman off the field and the friendship we had. 1 Obituaries, Atlanta Constitution, April 22, 2961: 18. You think about Wally Pipp and Lou Gehrig and you dont want to miss time. Yankee fans love you and you always get a great reception at Old Timers Day. [1] After going 3-for-6 in his first season, Blomberg was out in 1970 with injuries. . Pay Less. When U. Paul was visiting from El Cajon, California. Everyone had their arguments with George, but at the end, he was like a father to us. Freiherr von Blomberg refers to a German noble family. There were constant Ku Klux Klan marches, with Klansmen wearing their pointed hats, giving out pamphlets that were anti-Semitic, anti-black and anti-Catholic.3. 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". The fans respected him, but the writers didnt. He was in a position where the Yankees really needed a catcher, so that was perfect timing. Even though he was Jewish, my relationship was not good with pitcher Steve Stone. 2 Bid - 1972 Topps Set-Break #203 Ron Blomberg NR-MINT *GMCARDS* $ 0.79. Blombergalso offers a fascinatingglimpseintobaseballhistory,includingthe first-ever strike and lockout,theescalationof theYankeesRedSox rivalry, and thestartoffull-scale free agency. Ron Blomberg was born in Atlanta, GA on August 23, 1948. A powerful lefty and hard-nosed player, Blomberg was very productive when healthy. Ron Blomberg - 1978 Ron Blomberg is someone that the White Sox should have avoided. The only thing I didnt like was the food. The following spring, with his shoulder healed, Blomberg was having an outstanding spring training. But Art and I became very good friends. We had the same friends and just basically did everything together. The club offered to send him to AAA Iowa, but Blomberg refused. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous Athlete We can go on about Thurman for days, but I dont want to sell you short either. After youve been on an operating table and theyve taken half your body apart, youre just happy getting your white uniform dirty again.20. Blomberg is a scout for the New York Yankees in the Atlanta area. But nobody confronted Blomberg because he was often the best player on whatever team he played for. 14. Blomberg was a three-sport star at Druid Hills High School in Atlanta. 3 Peter Ephross with Martin Abramowitz, Jewish Major Leaguers: In Their Own Words, (Jefferson, NC: McFarland 2012), 156. Blomberg responded with a .311 batting average, .276 against left-handed pitchers. The White Sox tacked on another run in the ninth to win, 6-5. The New York Yankees owned the first draft selection in the free agent draft on June 6, 1967. Top 3 Results for Ron Blomberg. Being a number one pick like myself, we became good friends. We now have great Captain Long Sleeve Hoodies in our store as a way to help Ron and his efforts to get The Captain into the HOF. But I want to find out if he can hit them, and Im going to give him a good, long shot.15. One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta, who cheerfully talked anyone's ear off at the . Houk used a platoon system in some cases, and Blomberg was no exception. What was it like when you met him for the first time? For 87 years, Ron Blomberg was one of those special people. [12] "I had four knee and two shoulder injuries," he said. "[4], Through 2010, he was seventh all-time in career batting average (behind Hank Greenberg, Ryan Braun, Buddy Myer, Lou Boudreau, Phil Weintraub, and Kevin Youkilis) among Jewish major league baseball players. Then I just started babbling, I guess. Where he lives: Blomberg, 68, resides in Roswell and has been married to Beth for 34 years. "I'm better off away from them," the. Yankees great Thurman Munson was one of the best catchers in the game when he died in a stunning plane crash at age 32 in 1979. Ron Blomberg, Dan Epstein. After he overcame anti-Semitism in his hometown of Atlanta to become the number one overall pick by the New York Yankees in the free agent draft in 1967, his dream of playing in New York City, where there was a large Jewish population, was going to be fulfilled. Blombergs career statistics included a .293 batting average with 52 home runs and 224 RBIs. [11][6] Blomberg finished 1973 with a healthy .329 average, .395 OBP, and .498 SLG in 301 at-bats;[1] he hit .351 with runners in scoring position. Whitey and Yogi were around and Ralph Houk. My parents had always told me you have to have a strong faith, you will always have adversities in life, people will be against the Jews, that I had to watch out for it and had to be a lot stronger. "[7] He also received 100 football scholarship offers. I also feel like I am blessed to be able to write a book about my best friend. Known to have a hearty appetite, he was put to the test in a diner outside Kinston. background-image:unset; I was in the Holy Land, near King Solomons tomb. It was like I was related to everyone. Apr 17, 2022, 5:19 PM (GMT+3) baseball. The following season at Kinston of the Class A Carolina League, Blomberg was switched from first base to center field, a position he had never played. He was the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history. Rons income mostly comes from and basic source is being a successful American Athlete. Ron Blomberg was expected to carve a role in New York Yankees history when the franchise selected him with the No. When Ron was 13 years of age, his older brother Alan passed away from an undisclosed illness on April 20, 1961. You saw right off the bat when he came up, he was the leader of the team. He was at his best in the clutch, batting .296 with runners in scoring position and .319 as a pinch hitter. If not, the bill was $25. Ronald Mark Blomberg (born August 23, 1948), nicknamed "Boomer", is an American former professional baseball player and minor league manager. During a Jan. 12 virtual event hosted by Temple Emanu El in Orange, Ron Blomberg, the first designated hitter in baseball history, recounted his career in the major league and his close friendship with former New York Yankees captain Thurman Munson. Blombergs Opening Day homer was the highlight of his year. Baseball Player his net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. It was a lot of Spanish names and it was confusing, so I just called everyone big guy. Even if they were little, I just called them big guy. They would look at me like, Are you sick? I would say, Well youre a big guy to me.. My conviction was strong.2, Many of Blombergs teammates in youth baseball leagues did not know or had never met a Jewish person. April 6, 1973. He is one of the Richest Baseball Player who was born in United States. Against left-handed pitching, he pulls away from the ball, he doesnt even break his wrists.13, The statistics support Houks statement. Fans love that team and the stories. Blomberg passed away on Monday, Dec. 7, 10 days short of his 88th birthday. We are team "Boomer" on a mission and if we work together we can make it happen. I told my parents, if I got drafted by the Yankees number one, I was going to sign with them. 4 Jim Ogle, Yanks Nab Top Pick Blomberg For $90,000, The Sporting News, July 8, 1967: 13. 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. He was born November 24, 1941 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Arthur and Margaret Blomberg who have preceded him in death. 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. Thurman was like George. By writing The Captain and Me, Blomberg hopes to show a more personal side of Munson. He was like a baby version of George. Von Blomberg first met Gruhn while taking a stroll through the Tiergarten in Berlin in September 1937. "No, you tell him; it's your story," Ron told his wife of nearly 10 months. If you want to learn more about me, Ive detailed my journey to the top and all of the lessons learned along the way in my book, Designated Hebrew. Hes still green, but he has all the tools, said Bauer. Blomberg, 72, was born and raised in Atlanta. 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. Ron Blomberg, former ball player for the Yankees, kept audience members enthralled with his stories. On April 6, 1973, at Fenway Park, he was walked by Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant on five pitches with the bases loaded in the first inning,[10][11][12] and the bat he used is in Cooperstown's Hall of Fame. Kinston manager Bob Bauer was hoping for a seamless transition. Blomberg made his major league debut on September 10, 1969, two weeks after his 21st birthday. By doctors orders, Blomberg wore a harness to immobilize his arm. The Yankees were in town and they went to town, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. [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. 1. In 1969, four minor leagues were given permission to experiment with using a substitute hitter. Ive got a lot to learn, though, especially how to throw overhand from out there. Blomberg, a Jewish superstar athlete from Georgia, and the gruff Munson were roommates for five years and were more family than they were friends. 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). 1992 The Wiz/American Express New York Yankees of the '60's - [Base] #_ROBL. I got to put on the Pinstripes. The Atlanta August 23, 1948-born Athlete expert is arguably the worlds most influential Ron Blomberg is expert, with a wide-ranging social media outreach. I got to put on the Pinstripes. Blomberg appeared in only 61 games for the White Sox in 1978, batting .231 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. "I was a guy who ran into a wall and gave 120% all the time.". Jokes aside, that Israel Baseball League was great, even if it lasted one season. [15], Ron Blomberg Stats | Baseball-Reference.com, "Ron Blomberg Career Batting Splits Baseball-Reference PI", "Former Yankee Blomberg remembers glory days", "Holtzman, Blomberg, Shamsky to manage in Israel League MLB CBSSports.com Baseball", "Baseball / IBL / Baseball, kosher-style Haaretz Israel News", "Designated Hebrew: The Ron Blomberg Story: Ron Blomberg, Dan Schlossberg: Books", "How I became the Yankees' Jewish star (and made friends with Thurman Munson along the way)", "Ex-Yankees slugger Ron Blomberg's new book 'The Captain & Me' chronicles close friendship with Thurman Munson", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ron_Blomberg&oldid=1137742409, September 10,1969,for theNew York Yankees, October 12,1978,for theChicago White Sox, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 06:02. Retired baseball player Ron Blomberg has a theory as to why he gets invited to speak at so many different organizations. Discover Ronald Mark Blombergs Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. In addition, he does some high school and college scouting for the Yankees from his suburban Atlanta home. Back then, we had one-year contracts. In 2007, he was the manager of the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox of the first ever Israel Baseball League. And.176 ( 3-for-17 ) versus lefties running a summer Baseball camp for kids at the York. Of layers wrists.13, the statistics support Houks statement to play in the Atlanta area with... And Margaret Blomberg who have preceded him in death but Blomberg refused, Chambliss was a three-sport star at Hills. An offer from the field and the next season, Blomberg missed the entire 1977 season retired Baseball player was... Right away in the free agent draft on June 6, 1967 selection in Hall... And author Dan Schlossberg wrote his autobiography, designated Hebrew, which was published by Publishing! 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