Blair's health scare
The latest forum taking place on the main stage includes members of the 1970 world championship team, and it's a huge relief to see Paul Blair on the panel.
Blair, my favorite player growing up, suffered a heart attack on Dec. 22. He was released on Christmas Day and said he's feeling much better.
Blair said he was bowling when he began to experience tightness in his chest. He never lost consciousness on his trip to the hospital.
Doctors told Blair that he had a 98-percent blockage in the main artery to his heart. He considers the episode a blessing, since he otherwise wouldn't have known about his condition and the outcome might have been much worse.
Blair gave his consent when I asked for permission to pass along his story to fans.
"Heck," he said, smiling, "I'm just glad to still be here."
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
A nice ending to what could have been a tragic lost!
Good to hear that Blair is doing well.
Considering his recent health issues, he may not be able to get on the field and work with Adam Jones about positioning and playing shallow, but he would still be a good resource for Jones.
It's surprising that the O's don't reach into their very deep and talented history more often, even if it's only for a week in spring training. Give the older guys some money, let them feel involved, and have them educate the current crop of Birds about the Oriole Way.
At his age, Paul Blair should have been seeing a cardiologist at least yearly. On the other hand, he should not worry too much about the heart attack being a surprise. I see a cardiologist regularly, take all the meds, and go for the annual nuclear stress tests. Right after passing the last nuclear stress test with "flying colors," I had a heart attack. I am doing fine and I am sure he will also. I think.
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Come on Roch!
ArtEry, not ArtOry.
You're killin us Med Pros out here.
Roch,
Did not realize Blair had a heart attack. Nothing but the best to him. A class act! Man was that 1970 team strong defensively? I mean you had solid catching behind the plate, Belanger, Johnson & Blair up the middle. and the greatest fielding 3rd baseman ever. Buford & Blair were quite the catalysts to a very potent lineup. Paul was always one of my favorites. Just a tick below Brooks & Frank.
We're glad you're still with us too Paul. Many fond memories of your play in Center. Stay healthy and thanks for everything!
Glad to hear he's doing well and that you didn't break any HIPAA laws.
Great to meet you today at The Fest. Thanks for the inside news at the photo shoot.
Hey PV, with regard to batting Tejada second in the order, my line of thinking is we're not necessarily looking for a guy to draw walks. That's Roberts' job. Tejada would be best served utilizing his bat control to spray the ball around and especially go the other way on the hit and run, advance Roberts to third on a single to right, or at least move the runner with a productive out to the right side. Also, I'm not suggesting he give up all his power but we have to be realistic here. At this point in his career, 15 homeruns would be nice. And by encouraging Tejada to place the ball a little more often, maybe he stays out of the double play a little more often.
As for his defense... I'm thinking the harder he is willing to work at it, the better his chances of emerging as an average defender at best. I don't think Mr. MacPhail is expecting any gold gloves.
What number will Tejada wear since Adam Jones is wearing his old number?
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I think Jones could be talked into switching, but we don't know. - Roch
Today i got his autograph. He seemed fine today. I am so glad he is okay.
My daughter and I also got photo taken with him, seeing the players from my era is one of the reasons I attend these functions.
I'd love to see Paul tutor Adam Jones or better yet Felix Pie on playing the outfield
It was nice to see those that could attend the panel on the 1970 World Champion Orioles.
I hope we see more of them this summer
I was sitting at a table enjoying a cold 12 oz adult beverage at fanfest when a fan told me about Blair possibly not being there because of a heart attack. He said Blair had open heart surgery .Imagine my happiness when he walked on stage.All the guys looked great. If appeared Blair had something under his clothing possibly something to protect his chest. It was funny hearing Palmer talking about how Earl Weaver blew up after a late inning spring training loss I believe in Mexico. The fanfest was awesome. I cant imagine any more people being there than were there this year.