Ron Blackburn
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| Ron Blackburn | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: April 23, 1935 Mount Airy, North Carolina, U.S. | |
| Died: April 29, 1998 (aged 63) Morganton, North Carolina, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 15, 1958, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 28, 1959, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 3–2 |
| Earned run average | 3.50 |
| Strikeouts | 50 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Ronald Hamilton Blackburn (April 23, 1935 – April 29, 1998) was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1958 and 1959 seasons.
Nicknamed "Blackie", he batted and threw right handed. Blackburn stood at 6 feet (1.83 m) and 160 pounds (73 kg) at the height of his career. He spent 11 seasons in the minor leagues and played two consecutive seasons for the Pirates.
His major league debut was on Opening Day 1958 against the Milwaukee Braves. The first batter he faced was Hank Aaron, who hit a single off Blackburn, but he managed to keep the next nine batters off base for his first victory.
On the road for his two years with the Pirates, Blackburn's roommate was Bill Mazeroski. During these two years, he also was a teammate of legendary outfielder Roberto Clemente.
Blackburn played his last game for Pittsburgh on July 28, 1959.
| Year | Age | Team | League | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | 18 | Burlington-Graham Pirates | Carolina League | B |
| 1953 | 18 | Fond du Lac Panthers | Wisconsin State League | D |
| 1954 | 19 | St. Jean Canadians | Provincial League | C |
| 1955 | 20 | Phoenix Stars | Arizona–Mexico League | C |
| 1955 | 20 | Burlington-Graham Pirates | Carolina League | B |
| 1956 | 21 | Williamsport Grays | Eastern League | A |
| 1956 | 21 | New Orleans Pelicans | Southern Association | AA |
| 1957 | 22 | Columbus Jets | International League | AAA |
| 1958 | 23 | Pittsburgh Pirates | National League | MLB |
| 1959 | 24 | Columbus Jets | International League | AAA |
| 1959 | 24 | Pittsburgh Pirates | National League | MLB |
| 1960 | 25 | Columbus Jets | International League | AAA |
| 1960 | 25 | Salt Lake City Bees | Pacific Coast League | AAA |
| 1961 | 26 | Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers | American Association | AAA |
| 1961 | 26 | Macon Peaches | Southern Association | AA |
| 1963 | 28 | Columbus Jets | International League | AAA |
| 1964 | 29 | Columbus Jets | International League | AAA |
| 1964 | 29 | Asheville Tourists | Southern League | AAA |