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.\n', '

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 of Blackburn, but he managed to keep the next nine batters off base for his first victory.\n', '

On the road for his two years with the Pirates his roommate was Bill Mazeroski. During these two years, he also was a teammate of legendary outfielder Roberto Clemente.\n', '

Return to Ron Blackburn Autograph Profile