Baseball Remembers: Paul Blair

In his twenties, it’s entirely possible that Paul Blair was the greatest defensive center fielder ever not named Andruw Jones, and the Baltimore Orioles were the perfect team for him to play for.

Back in the 1960s and ‘70s they were building a culture in Baltimore, and it revolved around pitching and defense. If you couldn’t do either of those things, you’re only hope of playing regularly for the team was if you could blast 3-run homers with some regularity (*cough* Boog Powell *cough*). That culture-building started in 1960 when the remarkable Brooks Robinson started winning Gold Gloves by playing the best third base defense anyone had seen. It was a pretty nice place to start.

Jackie Brandt was added the same year to play center field, where he had just won a Gold Glove for the Giants. Jim Gentile was a good defender at first base (and could blast 3-run homers), and Luis Aparicio was added to play shortstop in 1963 and won a pair of Gold Gloves in his time there. Gus Triandos was a good catcher with a great arm. They signed or drafted young players during this time who would fit this culture eventually, like Davey Johnson, and Mark Belanger, and Andy Etchebarren, and Bobby Grich. When they traded for an established player like Don Buford or Frank Robinson, they had to be guys who would provide sound defense behind a routinely excellent pitching staff that included the likes of Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, Milt Pappas, Dave McNally, Steve Barber, and Stu Miller.