Blackburn to be Inducted into USA/ASA Tennessee Hall of Fame

Greg Blackburn of McKenzie will soon join a fourth Hall of Fame for his career as coach/sponsor of the Jean Shoppe men's slow pitch softball team.

Blackburn will be inducted into the USA Softball/Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Tennessee Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Saturday, August 1 at 4 p.m. CDT at The Mill at 300 North Maple St. in Lebanon.

Blackburn was the coach of the Jean Shoppe team for 35 years. In that time, the team won ten world tournaments and 30 state tournaments.

Blackburn spoke to The Banner about the team's success over the years.

"I travelled all over the United States to play. I found the toughest tournaments we could play in and we played tough competition, and that's what made us a better team."

He said, "I want to thank all of my players and everybody that was involved for me to get an award like this. The only reason that I played and coached softball is because I enjoyed the challenge of becoming a winner. I want all my players to know that I'm really thankful for what they've done for me to get these accolades. I couldn't have done it without them."

Blackburn noted the players from Carroll County that were members of his teams, including Roy Grant, Mark Cooper, Billy Ray Hampton, Webb Maddox, Larry Tippitt, David Huss, Phillip Martin, Stevie Blackburn, Jimmy Perritt, Mike Lane, A.P. Plunk, Clay Morgan, Kenny Paschall and Mickey Stafford.

Blackburn has previously been inducted into the Independent Sports Association (ISA) National Hall of Fame, the National Softball Association (NSA) Hall of Fame and the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Hall of Fame.

To register to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony or for more information, contact Edward Rowe at 423-355-0694 or tnusauic24@gmail.com.