Friday March 29th, 2024
TEXT_SIZE

2019 Free Agent Robert Blackburn

 

Robert Blackburn

USSSA Playing History

Major Watch List Player

2011 Interview

2019 Free Agent – robo_16@yahoo.com

Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy the game of softball as much as I do for multiple reasons.  Softball give me the ability to compete against other guys that are as competitive as I am at the game.  It also allows me to meet new people and make life long friends.
 
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
The best that I have ever seen play has to be Rusty Bumgardner.  He is extremely competitive on the field, a great field leader, clutch when you gotta have him offensively and defensively, and gives 110% every play.  I have only been playing at this level a few years, so I don't mean to disrespect any of the great players that were before my time.
 
Where do you call home?
Indian Trail, NC
 
What do you do for a living?
I work for Bealer Wholesale.   We wholesale Anheuser Busch products.
 
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball and Basketball in High School
 
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My uncle(Rawhide) and my father(Diddy) got me started in league.   I never thought it would be this much fun.   I played with a few teams in Virginia in 05 and in 06 Pierre Alfred and Dan Fruwirth gave me a tryout with Laser Vision.


What position do you play?
Mostly outfield but as ugly as it is I guess some infield too.
 
What batting grip do you use?
I drop two fingers off the knob and overlap two fingers over my bottom hand
 
What is the benefit of having your "Mike Hargrove" like warmup routine before each at bat?
It's part of that whole superstition thing.   It's just the one everyone notices.
 
What is the most difficult part of sitting out with a broken leg most of 2010?
I can't name just one.  Going to the tournaments and feeling helpless if your team is losing is aweful.   I also just enjoy the game from bp to actually playing.  I had not taken that much time off in 8 years.
 
Your dad and uncle look like they were some serious ballplayers back in the day, tell us a little bit about them?
They both love the game and coming out watching us play.
 
Diddy played a little league ball in his day.  He really enjoys going on the weekends and hanging out with the guys
 
Rawhide had a team and played in the 80's.  He quit for a while and then started the league team in 2002.  He actually still plays in an over 45 league.
 
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
There are too many to list.  One of them is obvious.  the rest start about 3 hours before gametime and continue through out the day.
 
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Winning the A world in 08 with Jean Shoppe and Coach Blackburn
 
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Smoky Mtn Classic
 
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
A good buddy of mine, that is very popular, is in the batters box.  Swings and hits a ground ball to the shortstop.   He falls down face first in the box with both hands still on the handle of the bat under his chest.   As the shortstop throws him out he lifts only his head and asks "Am I out?".   Absolutely hilarious.





  


 


alt

alt

4 responses to “2019 Free Agent Robert Blackburn”

  1. Brandon Loudermilk says:

    Congrats on being selected for USA! It’s a small world I’m from Indian trail too!

  2. Curtis O'Brien says:

    Congrats Robo on playing for your Country. It was a pleasure to learn from you at the camp in Florida. Thanks for everything and good luck on the season…

    Curtis

  3. jose says:

    robo is one of the most humblest and approachable guys in softball…definitely one of the best out there and a pleasure to sit and talk softball with.

    Jose

  4. LC Watson says:

    He’s Back…. HAHA good to see you looking to play again, one of my favorite teammates.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.