Willie Blair

William Allen Blair

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
• School Morehead State University
• High School Johnson Central High School
• Debut April 11, 1990
• Final Game July 26, 2001
• Born December 18, 1965 in Paintsville, KY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Willie Blair was signed as an 11th round pick in the 1986 amateur draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and scout Don Welke. He threw a sinking fastball, a slider with a downward break and a change-up. In 1999, Willie was the final Opening Day starter in the history of Tiger Stadium. He won 16 games for the Tigers in 1997, more than one-quarter of his total big league victories (60-86 record for eight teams in 12 seasons).

Blair coached the JV team at Lexington Christian Academy. He was the pitching coach of the Joliet Jackhammers in 2010 and the Fort Wayne TinCaps in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he was named bullpen coach of the San Diego Padres, staying until the end of the 2015 season. He became pitching of the Erie SeaWolves in 2016-2018 and West Michigan Whitecaps in 2019.

Notable Achievements

• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1997)