Blackie -- Jon Blackburn

[Greenville Drive]

We all join leagues like this for various reasons; for some it's the love of the game, others it's an inner scout/GM/coach hiding inside, that competitive spirit, and I think we all come here for a break from reality.

Well this past weekend, fantasy met reality for me and some of you. Jon Blackburn, Blackie as most of you know him, died suddenly Friday night after turning 45 earlier in the week. It was some combination of an enlarged heart and trouble with his pancreas that came on very quickly, and shocked most anyone that knew him.

Blackie was not just another owner in a fantasy league I am in. He was my best friend in real life. He was like my brother. We have known each other for 18 years, when he was just as shrewd a negotiator then as he was now, it was just baseball cards then instead of fantasy baseball players.

I don't want to put a negative spin on anything, just wanted you to be aware. I know as well as anyone he could be an ass, but he had a lot going on. Three years ago this month, he had been diagonosed with a non-curable form of lymphoma, and early diabetes shortly after that. He had to take a lot of medications for both and couldn't be the dad to his 7 year old son that he wanted to be. It was a tough stretch for him.

Here is a link to his obituary if you care to read it:

www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com/obits/obituary.php?id=199083

[Boulder Ball Busters]

I appreciate the note and know it is hard for you....I personally liked Blackie a lot with his enthusiasm and fire. While I will miss him here that is insignificant to the loss of him in real life. Very sad day and I will mourn his passing

[Ohio Spiders]

Wow. Not really sure what to say as this is a major shock. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.

[Deleted]

I expressed this to Jeremy . Blackie and myself were sort of rivals over the past 5 years or so. We liked to push each others buttons. That was I believe for fun , fantasy and competeing are for fun after all. I appreciated Jons aggressiveness and passion for Fantasy.
I for one will miss the Yankee/sox thing we had going on.
I know fantasy is not real life but unfortunately I didn't know him outside the league.
I'm shocked over this and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

[Deleted]

Wow, devastating news. Sorry for your loss. The Expos will be wearing black arm bands and the initials JB on the back of their caps the remainder of the season.

[Deleted]

Devastating news. Sorry for your loss, Jeremy.

I didn't know Blackie personally, but he's one of the first members I talked to when joining this league. While he was a hard trader and got the best of one trade we did, he was extremely generous. Jon let me use his Baseball America account throughout the year.

This is really shocking and my thoughts are with everyone affected. He will be missed here and in the real world. RIP Jon.

[mashers]

My condolences Jeremy. We will all miss Blackie. You've had a rough run the last few years as well. Hang in there man.

[Toronto Northmen]

I reached out earlier to Jeremy but wanted to say again be strong for his family tonight my friend. Our thoughts will be with you. Blackie was a long time member here and will certainly be missed by all.

[Deleted]

My condolences to his family and friends

[Greenville Drive]

Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers and kind words. It was a great ceremony that highlighted how much friendships meant to him. I wish more of you could have known the real Blackie, and not just the hard nosed guy from fantasy baseball.

His mother, wife and son were all incredibly strong this past week. Please think of them in the coming months. That is when the prayers will be most needed, because right now they are still in shock and everything around them is moving so fast.

[DC Vipers]

Blackie really loved you, Jeremy. I remember one time he felt that I had slighted you in a post and he sent me a pm defending you. He definitely had your back and was a great friend to you.

I am glad you could be there for his family. You were a great friend to him.

[Deleted]

Aug 23, 2012 15:55:42 GMT -5 DC Vipers said:

Blackie really loved you, Jeremy. I remember one time he felt that I had slighted you in a post and he sent me a pm defending you. He definitely had your back and was a great friend to you.

I am glad you could be there for his family. You were a great friend to him.

Agreed , I got my share of blackie PMs regarding a post about you Jeremy. He was quite fond of you.