Ron
Blomberg, Major League Baseball’s first
designated
hitter and the "great Jewish hope" of the New York Yankees during the
1970's, is an icon of boyhood dreams achieved. 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, can be achieved by maintaining a positive, determined
attitude.
When Ron Blomberg was a young boy living in Georgia, he dreamed of playing for
the Yankees and made donning pinstripes his ultimate goal. The journey to Yankee
Stadium would not be an easy one for Ron, as he would not only have to battle
opposing pitchers but also the prejudice and persecution his Jewish heritage
often provoked. However, despite facing the additional obstacle of bigotry, Ron
was called up to the Yankees after only two years in the minor leagues, and his
eight year playing earned him an honorary spot in baseball's Hall of Fame.
Ron Blomberg was the number one over-all pick in the 1967 amateur draft and made
his Yankee debut on September 10, 1969.
Expectations where high, as Ron was heralded as "the next Mickey Mantle." Though
injuries would prevent Ron from ever matching "The Mick's" statistical
glory, he still never failed to generate productive seasons, and was the Yankees
team leader in batting average during the 1973 year. It was on April 6 of that
same season when Ron came to the plate as Major League Baseball’s first-ever
designated hitter, a role that would secure him his spot in the Hall of Fame.
Becoming a major league baseball player is not the only remarkable aspect of
Ron Blomberg’s life. His story is filled with as many struggles off the
field as he faced while in uniform. As both a youth and an adult, Ron was often
the victim of cruel, anti-Semitic discrimination. While a Yankee player, he was
shunned by many of his teammates and rejected by a segment of the team’s
fan base. Ron always reacted to these adversities with class and dignity, often
using his southern charm to win over the hearts and minds of those who initially
rejected him. Ron saw adversity as an opportunity to become stronger and wiser,
for he felt his mission in life was to triumph over challenges and set a positive
example for others to follow. He often reminded friends, fans, and teammates
who were faced with seemingly insurmountable troubles, "Hell, if I can do
it, anyone can!"
Ron retired from baseball in 1978, having earned both a special place in baseball
history and the admiration of baseball fans all over the world. He ended his
career having amassed a life-time .293 batting average, with 52 home runs and
224 RBI.
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