Famed baseball veteran Norman Blackwell (center, front) joins a senior softball game in Carmichael Park. Behind him are fellow nonagenarians Ray Everingham, John Wade (second row, left) and Roland Stiarwalt. All play for Carmichael's 75-plus Senior Softball League. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - There was ease in Norman’s manner as he stepped into his place; there was pride in Norman's bearing and a smile lit Norman’s face. No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Norman at the bat.

Thwack! Norman does not strike out. Carmichael Park's dugout explodes with cheers.

Sacramento athlete Norman Blackwell was born more than 40 years after Ernest Thayer wrote “Casey at the Bat” in 1888. And, like the iconic poem, Blackwell remains part of sport lore. 

On Thursdays, the 92-year-old bats and fields for Carmichael’s 75-plus Senior Softball League. Although his strike usually guarantees a safe run, Blackwell retreats and a younger fellow thunders off for him. 

 “I can still hit but I can’t run,” admitted the nonagenarian. “Running used to be one of my great assets. Now I let someone else do it.”

After a celebrated baseball career, softball is a gentler option.

“When I was playing hardball,” Blackwell explained, “the game was more competitive. For me, softball is about friendship, having fun and staying active.” 

In sport and in community activism, Blackwell is a pillar. In 1996, he was honored to carry a torch through downtown Sacramento on its path to the Atlanta Olympics. Eight halls of fame have inducted the athlete. Blackwell’s generosity has benefitted thousands of athletes and helped just as many Sacramento families.

Norman Blackwell’s strike sends a runner safely home. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Possessed of what baseball terms a “rocket arm,” Blackwell was a star from his teens. At 21, Blackwell was offered a contract with the St Louis Cardinals. Wary of racial prejudice in the Deep South, Blackwell declined. Years later, the team offered again. By then, Blackwell was a husband, a father and a mechanic at McClellan Air Force Base.

“In a way, I regret not signing,” Blackwell said. “But I’ve given everything I could back to the sport for the rest of my life. I played semi-pro baseball for more than 20 years. At my home, I have a museum of my memorabilia. I share it with many visitors.”

A revered Little League booster, “Coach Blackwell” has inspired generations of Oak Park athletes. Blackwell and his late wife, Peaches, raised 11 children; two sons (and five more of his local players) earned major league contracts. Ever humble, Blackwell has given countless volunteer hours as a baseball groundkeeper. McClatchy Park has a field named jointly for Blackwell and Little League President Harrison Crump. 

Humanitarianism was another way to give back. The Blackwell family has run a food closet for the disadvantaged for more than 40 years.

“I’m part of this community,” Blackwell said. “I had a big family. I know that people sometimes need help. I still see a lot of need out there.”

Exuberant moves are part of his legend. When not jigging triumphantly on a base, Blackwell enjoys dancing at his local Elks Lodge. Blackwell travels weekly to Carmichael with his daughter-in-law and teammate, Heather Blackwell.

His league friends include more nonagenarians: John Wade (96); Roland Stiarwalt (92); Ray Everingham (90) and Paul Thompson (94). Oldest of the lady players is 78-year-old Rose Gong.

“They all love the sport and I feel honored and blessed that I'm still able to play with all of them,” Blackwell said. 

In Las Vegas next month, the star will join a West Coast team playing the East Coast in an over-90 world series. His team has yet to win the trophy.

“I’m hoping we’ll come up with a more competitive team this year,” Blackwell said. “When I’m out on the field, I don’t feel over 90. It’s all about the game. My body might know the difference but I feel I’m playing like a younger man.”

Blackwell’s participation is considered an honor by his Carmichael team.  

“He’s an inspiration,” said league volunteer Linda McCollum-Greene.  

“Norman and some of our men have been teammates for decades; they’ve played ball since grade school,” McCollum-Greene said. “They enjoy doing what they love. These guys tell me they’d rather die on the field than in a rocking chair.”

Carmichael-based 75+ Senior Softball League currently has 75 players and encourages new members. Men over 75 years old and women over 50 can join. Games are in Carmichael Park on Thursdays from March to September. For more information, e mail [email protected].