#660 Paul Blair

Formidable player...Superior defensive whiz…in his prime, hurt opponents in so many ways speed, arm, good power, fundementals, and defensive skills…First signed by the Mets in the first year of their existence later picked up by the Orioles…synonymous with the later 1960's Baltimore franchise, came into club in 1965…expertly trolled centerfield for the birds during 12 full years earning 8 gold gloves… Best year was 1969 when slugged 26 home runs, 76 RBIs, and hit .285….he also was third in at-bats despite he did not play in 12 games.. although he never significantly lost playing time, a 1970  bean ball incident resulted in head injury that seemed to downgrade his play for the rest of his career…hitting consistency sometimes a problem…down years were 1968, 1972, and thereafter 1974…last three active years relegated to the bench on other teams, two with the Yankees, then one with the Reds…passed away 2013.