Looking back: Former baseball player Ron Blomberg

Sports

The Georgia native was the first designated hitter in baseball.

Georgia native Ron Blomberg was baseball's first designated hitter in an opening-day game for the New York Yankees in 1973. Click here to read more about Blomberg.

Ron Blomberg was expected to start in the field for the Yankees and veteran Felipe Alou was to be the first designated hitter, but Blomberg pulled his hamstring late in spring training. His choice was either going on the disabled list or play through the pain. Blomberg chose to play so he was used as the DH.

Ron Blomberg eyes Yankee Stadium from the dugout.

Ron Blomberg stands next to a framed memento in 1993.

Ron Blomberg hit a career-high 14 home runs for the Yankees in 1972.

Ron Blomberg takes a swing while playing for a softball team after his major-league career ended.

Ron Blomberg remained with the Yankees until 1977, but played in only 400 games over seven seasons because of injuries. He tried to come back from knee surgery with the White Sox in ’78, but retired after hitting .231 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 61 games.

Ron Blomberg finished with a .293 career average.

Ron Blomberg is still asked for autographs.

Ron Blomberg was a three-sport star at Druid Hills High School.

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Georgia native Ron Blomberg was baseball's first designated hitter in an opening-day game for the New York Yankees in 1973. Click here to read more about Blomberg.

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