Obituary: Gary Blaylock (1931-2026)
A life dedicated to baseball, Gary Blaylock's nearly 50-year career in professional baseball was a testament to his passion and perseverance. From his humble beginnings in Clarkton, MO, where he was born and raised, to his time as a pitcher in the majors and a World Series Championship-winning pitching coach, Blaylock's journey is truly inspiring. But here's where it gets controversial...
Blaylock's early career was marked by a unique blend of farming and baseball. He was a top athlete at Clarkton High School, but the school's limited resources meant he didn't have much of an athletics program. Instead, he pursued farming, milking cows by hand and growing his herd to 44 cows. Yet, his love for baseball remained, and he earned a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals after graduating high school.
His major league debut came as a pinch-runner for Stan Musial in 1959, where he managed to steal second base despite being given the hit-and-run sign. This was just the beginning of his journey, as he went on to pitch for the Cardinals and the New York Yankees, earning a World Series Championship with the Kansas City Royals in 1985 as a pitching coach.
Despite his success, Blaylock's career was not without controversy. His demotion to the bullpen and subsequent release by the Yankees, followed by his time in Triple-A Richmond, highlight the challenges he faced. But it was his time with the Royals, where he worked with up-and-coming pitchers like Bret Saberhagen, Danny Jackson, and Mark Gubicza, that truly showcased his impact on the game.
Blaylock's legacy extends beyond the diamond. His family, including his wife Joy and children Gary Jr., Debbie, and Sheila, were a constant source of support. And his impact on the game was recognized by his peers, as evidenced by his World Series ring and his induction into the Royals' 1985 championship team's 10-year reunion.
Blaylock's life and career serve as a reminder that success in baseball is not solely defined by statistics, but by the impact one has on the game and the people around them. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a deep love for the game. And this is the part most people miss...
For more information, visit Landess Funeral Home.
