Former Port Paul Blair Has Passed Away

Former Stockton Port and Orioles' Gold Glove centerfielder Paul Blair passed away last week at the age of 69.

Blair was a member of the 1963 California League Champion Stockton Ports, when he hit .324 with 16 homeruns. The team was honored at Banner Island Ballpark last May for the 50 year reunion.

During his 17 year Major League career, Blair spent 13 years with the Orioles organization, the Ports' Major League affiliate at the time. In his professional career, Blair received the honor of eight Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and led the Orioles to two World Series championships. The Oklahoma native ended his career at the age of 36 with a .250 lifetime batting average and 134 homeruns.

Blair was an active member of the community and remained heavily involved in the Orioles' organization after his playing career, in addition to the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

The Stockton Ports would like to offer our condolences to Blair's family and loved ones, who asking that memorial contributions be sent in his name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.