Castleton

Spartans

Thomas Blackbird ’73 was a four-year standout on the Spartan baseball field. As a pitcher, he compiled one of the best careers in Castleton history. As a freshman, he won five games without recording a loss, then a Spartan record. In his sophomore campaign, he posted an earned run average (ERA) of .94, setting yet another record. He capped his four seasons with a 6-1 record and an unimaginable .50 ERA, a record that will likely stand forever. That season he earned team MVP honors, along with the inaugural Robert“Rocky” Mezzetta Memorial Award. After graduation, Blackbird returned to Castleton to earn his master’s degree in 1985, and has had a shining career in teaching, coaching and officiating. He has umpired baseball and softball at the high school and collegiate level for 27 years, and has worked many state championship games in each. At nearby Fair Haven Union High School,Blackbird spent 11 years as the varsity wrestling coach, and 12 years coaching varsity baseball. In 11 out of 12 seasons, his baseball teams earned at least a share of the league title, compiling an impressive 177-37 overall record. He earned Coach of the Year honors in the state of Vermont in 1985 and 1987, and piloted his teams to three state championships and three state runners-up titles.