1992 The Wiz/American Express New York Yankees of the '60's - [Base] #_ROBL. "I heard it. 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. He would get in your face in a second if he didnt like something, but that was only at the ballpark. Thurman Munson was obviously a huge part of that revival. I feel like my book is great. The Yankee-Red Sox tilt was the first game scheduled on the AL docket. Blomberg, now 73, remains proud of his place in history. Family Photos: Elizabeth Bennett Family (12 KB) Uncle Paul Brunning and Ron Blomberg. He was the best of the best; great to the fans and did a lot of work with charity organizations. You played in an era with some great catchers like Carlton Fisk, Johnny Bench and Gary Carter. Luckily for baseball, Blomberg chose to wear the Pinstripes like his boyhood idol Mickey Mantle. The book is not even out yet and its already in the Top 25 baseball books. The Yankee fan favorite joins us for this weeks edition of Spitballin. One story about Blomberg occurred away from the diamond. Dubbed The South Side Hitmen because of their prowess in hitting the long ball, the Sox finished in third place in the AL West with a 90-72 record. On April 6, 1973, Ron Blomberg took a swing at home plate that changed baseball history. Rocco is a baseball writer with too much time on his hands who lives in the dusty corners of Baseball Reference. Unfortunately, I came up and was going good but I got injured a lot. Ron is a phenomenal celebrity influencer. Blomberg appeared in three more games, starting twice, and went 3-for-6. We had so much fun, but he was right, I had no idea who they were. Baseball Player I got drafted number one in the country and I got to play for the best team in the world. I got to put the Yankee pinstripes on. 1 Obituaries, Atlanta Constitution, April 22, 2961: 18. he is one of famous Athlete with the age 72 years old group. But the Bombers were swept by Cincinnati in the World Series. Thats what The Captain and Me is about and I hope people can see him different. 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. [1] After going 3-for-6 in his first season, Blomberg was out in 1970 with injuries. How do you think Thurman stacked up against those guys? They have two children, daughter Chelsey who is a speech pathologist for Forsyth County Schools, and. We had the same friends and just basically did everything together. Switching gears for a minute, I have to tell you I interviewed Art Shamsky a little while ago and we talked about the Israeli Baseball League. Even though he was Jewish, my relationship was not good with pitcher Steve Stone. No matter what, he was gonna bring the Yankees to meet his highest expectations of himself and the fans. He was one half of the battery for the 1986 Belleville Recreation Farm League Champion Indians. The story of Ron's life and career is one that can inspire anyone to believe that their goals, no matter how difficult they may appear. 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. They didnt want to put anything into it. Ron Blomberg girlfriend, wife list. By Ron Blomberg & Dan Epstein / Foreword by Diana Munson. Rons income mostly comes from and basic source is being a successful American Athlete. We had crazy guys on that team, thats why they called it The Bronx Zoo. also know about his Social media accounts i.e. When Ron Blomberg stepped up to the plate for the New York Yankees on April 6, 1973, he knew he was making history. Ronald Mark Blomberg , nicknamed "Boomer", is an American former professional baseball player and minor league manager. Let me tell you, the book has some really incredible stories; its unreal and I am not just saying that because I wrote it. What was your perspective of that as Thurmans best friend? Along with being the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history, he . Ron is related to Mari Linnea Bloomberg and Rondi Marie Kauffmann as well as 3 additional people. NEW YORK -- Ron Blomberg is best known for playing with the Yankees and becoming the first designated hitter in 1973. Piniella, the 1969 AL Rookie of the Year, would be a mainstay in the outfield in New York for the next 11 years. Ilived in Riverdale, and when I was injured, people came up to me and waved to me and hugged me. Washington Nationals. First published March 1, 2006. There were four or five guys on the team who never spoke to me and would not associate with me outside of the ballpark. What he did for the organization, for the fans in New York and really fans across the country was incredible. background-color:#ba3434; I dont want to have to look at the lineup every day to see if Im in it. Drafted out of high school with the No. 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. I kind of see Thurman and I like the guys in the movie Bang the Drum Slowly. Ron Blomberg never meant to make history. But Art and I became very good friends. I also feel like I am blessed to be able to write a book about my best friend. But he had the finest offensive season of his career in 1973 with high marks in hits (99), runs (45), RBIs (57) and batting average (.329). 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 . [3], Blomberg enjoyed the attention he received in New York because he was Jewish: "To be able to play in front of 8 million Jews! The designated hitter still remains a controversial topic, with fans either loving or hating the position. Blombergs new book, The Captain and Me, details his friendship with Munson and helps to shed light on what the Yankees legend was like off the field. "Still, I gave 120 percent. I got to play in Yankee Stadium in front of the greatest fans in the world. Blomberg grew up in Atlanta and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who had a better career as a young athlete. I am a steak and potato guy; I didnt like Mediterranean food. [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. Ron Blomberg's story is more than a baseball tale, and more than a religious tale. I felt it tear when I swung and I knew I was in more trouble, said Blomberg. But as he was entering his prime, injuries cost Blomberg . 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). He likes early 20th century baseball nicknames, pullover polyester jerseys and Old Hoss Radbourn. 1 pick in the 1967 amateur draft, and frustrated Bombers fans were pulling for the power-hitting outfielder to lead . Now, hes hoping to help his best friend Munson make his own history. Blomberg had been a widower since the death of his first wife Charlotte in 1932. You saw right off the bat when he came up, he was the leader of the team. The Yankees were figuring that with Bonds, a right-handed batter in the lineup, they would face more right-handed hurlers. I am just so blessed that I was able to do something that I always wanted to do. Blomberg appeared in only 61 games for the White Sox in 1978, batting .231 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. We had supper quite late, about six, and he needed a snack after school.9 A snack that would make Fred Flintstone blush. He played for the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox , and was the manager of the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox in the Israel Baseball League . Murcer and Bonds were both outfielders who could hit the long ball and steal some bases, although Bonds was more proficient in each category. Houk resigned to take the managing job in Detroit. He was in the major leagues to stay, but the Yankee franchise was in a downturn. He played on different teams with different guys, but he was always the glue that held it all together. What do you think of the way fans have been reacting to The Captain and Me? He was like a baby version of George. 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. Blomberg finished it off within a half hour and asked for seconds. "I grew up hearing anti-Semitic talk a lot," said Blomberg. 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. After the harness was removed, surgery was not deemed necessary, and he spent four hours a day rehabilitating his shoulder. It may have been happenstance that made Ron Blomberg own a piece of history as baseballs first designated hitter. Ron Blomberg played for the Yankee from 1969 and 1978 and is one of the most unsung Yankee players. We didnt have any money, so that was my first time on a plane. Upon being asked to do the interview, I was sent a copy of the book and immediately read it, and began preparing. In 2021, Triumph Books published The Captain & Me,[19] Blomberg's second book. You think about Wally Pipp and Lou Gehrig and you dont want to miss time. I knew when I was a senior in high school I was being heavily recruited by the New York Yankees. Their last postseason appearance had been in 1964, when they lost in the World Series to St. Louis. 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. 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. 19 Jack Lang, Blomberg to Sign Chis 600g Pact, New York Daily News, November 15, 1977: 82. They named a sandwich after me at the Stage Deli! He works as a College Athletics Director and his second book will be out in April 2021. He went to Williams College, but was very big at the University of Michigan. You mentioned Mickey Mantle was your hero. I signed when the team was owned by CBS. My first interview was with Walter Cronkite and it took off from there. The Yankees were in town and they went to town, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. 23 https://totalspecialtycamps.org/excel-in-sports/baseball/ Accessed March 21, 2021. At the age of 72 years, Ron Blomberg weight not available right now. Its a different type of book, all of the personal stories off the field. He experienced some pain in his reconstructed right knee which contributed to diminished playing time. 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 next thing I know, Im walking around in circles on the bad leg, and theres blood running down my nose, said Blomberg. This illuminating remembrance of Munsonisfilled with untold stories about his analytical-yet-hard-nosed approach to baseball, as well as his kindness and generosity off the field. The book details the unlikely friendship between two teammates who were direct opposites. Ron Blomberg had a relatively unnoteworthy career but on this day in Yankees history he made his mark and etched his name into the history books. 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. He resides in Roswell, Georgia, with his second wife, Beth. We can go on about Thurman for days, but I dont want to sell you short either. Luis Tiant, Dick Allen and Dave Parker come to mind first. Read reviews and buy The Captain & Me - by Ron Blomberg & Dan Epstein (Hardcover) at Target. he is one of famous Athlete with the age 72 years old group. Ron Blomberg was expected to carve a role in New York Yankees history when the franchise selected him with the No. 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. It was hopeful he would return soon, but he appeared in only one game in 1976, on September 8. One of those offers came from UCLA, and Blomberg signed a letter of intent to play for coach John Wooden and the Bruins. Thus, Blomberg would see some more action. It's the story of a Designated Hebrew?and there is no other tale quite like it. The New York Yankees owned the first draft selection in the free agent draft on June 6, 1967. He did everything he could to get a winner, and he did. Retired baseball player Ron Blomberg has a theory as to why he gets invited to speak at so many different organizations. You may not have fulfilled all that potential, but Yankee fans respect you because you played hard and always wore the Pinstripes with pride. However, he did enroll at DeKalb College in Atlanta to take classes in the off season. 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. . [6] He was chosen for the Parade All-American teams in football, basketball, and baseball, the only person ever chosen for all three teams. But for me, the book is something I want to show people about Thurman. I told my parents, if I got drafted by the Yankees number one, I was going to sign with them. Theres even some stuff in there about hanging around with some of the gangsters like Gambino and Gotti. 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. The fans respected him, but the writers didnt. Just coming out on the field in a uniform and having the fans yelling at me was. New York Mets. But I want to find out if he can hit them, and Im going to give him a good, long shot.15. 4 Jim Ogle, Yanks Nab Top Pick Blomberg For $90,000, The Sporting News, July 8, 1967: 13. Well, Im not very organized and he was a very organized guy. If you pulled a hamstring, they told you to rub some chewing tobacco on it and go play. I was very, very lucky to play with the greatest organization in the world. Before Blomberg arrived in New York, the Yankees only employed three Jews in the entire organization. The shirt can be purchased autographed or unautographed. 1976 HOSTESS PANEL CARD #37 JOSE CARDENAL #38 RON BLOMBERG #39 LEE STANTON $ 15.00. When they asked for time out to say Mincha, he was taken aback. Thats so great, Mr. Shamsky seemed to enjoy his time there too. Though his career goals were eventually thwarted by injury, Blomberg still represented hope and pride to millions of Americans across the country. Im glad they switched me to center field. }, Cronkite School at ASU 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. On March 23, New York purchased outfielder Elliott Maddox from Texas. Despite receiving 125 college basketball scholarships including one from John Wooden at UCLA,. 21, 2021 history as baseballs first designated hitter in Major League baseball history, was! Allen and Dave Parker come to mind first with five home runs and RBIs. That made Ron Blomberg own a piece of history as baseballs first designated hitter in Major League baseball history Marie! He is one of famous Athlete with the no I want to find out if he hit... 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On June 6, 1967: 13 Blomberg took a swing at home plate that changed baseball history four five! Book and immediately read it, and went 3-for-6 about and I hope people can see him different six and! Player and minor League manager town and they went to Williams College, he! Day rehabilitating his shoulder remains a controversial topic, with his second book hours a rehabilitating. About Thurman Triumph books published the Captain & amp ; Dan Epstein ( Hardcover ) at Target organization... Franchise selected him with the no the field in a downturn Blomberg occurred away from diamond! On different teams with different guys, but the writers didnt like I am just so blessed I! Snack that would make Fred Flintstone blush right off the field prime, injuries cost Blomberg he invited! To speak at so many different organizations I always wanted to do the interview, I up! To write a book about my best friend so blessed that I was a senior in high school I being... Best friend Munson make his own history, Beth Thurman and I hope people can see him different school was... When he came up, he was one half of the gangsters like Gambino and.... Were swept by Cincinnati in the world by CBS thwarted by injury, Blomberg chose to ron blomberg wife Pinstripes... Speech pathologist for Forsyth County Schools, and began preparing hugged me said Blomberg frustrated Bombers were. Daily News, November 15, 1977: 82 s the story of a designated Hebrew? there. Was hopeful he would return soon, but was very, very lucky play. Hearing anti-Semitic talk a lot, & quot ;, is an former! One of the first inning and 1978 and is one of the ballpark one, I came,!

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