Attorney Kevin Campbell Attends Roast of Ex-Detroit Tiger/Longtime CMDA Client

CMDA attorney Kevin Campbell has been involved in the representation of former MLB players in recent years, relative to pensions. Among them is the case of former Atlanta Braves player Gary Cooper. Kevin was quoted in this article: Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Gary Cooper missed qualifying for an MLB pension by one day.

Kevin recently attended a Roast benefiting former Detroit Tiger Ike Blessitt’s hitting academy. Mr. Blessitt is a longtime client of CMDA partner Jim Acho and has run a free hitting clinic from the backyard of his home in Detroit, despite losing both of his legs. Ike has a batting cage and pitching machine in his yard, and he instructs kids as they swing. Hundreds of kids have benefited from Mr. Blessitt’s generosity and tutelage — all free of charge — and several young men have credited him with their development in high school and even going on to play baseball in college.

Kevin also had the opportunity to spend some time with Jake Wood, who in 1961 became the first Black starting player in Detroit Tigers history. Mr. Wood was Detroit’s starting 2B from 1961-1964. At age 88, he still makes appearances and enjoyed the Roast, which featured two members of the 1968 World Championship team as well as two members of the 1984 World Championship team. Mr. Wood indicated he also especially enjoyed catching up with Kevin, who is a bit of a baseball historian and was a baseball player himself in high school. Said Kevin, “Spending time with Jake Wood was a genuine honor given his place in history.”

CMDA has been committed to the representation of retired players for three decades and there is no greater example than the work done by Kevin Campbell. As Mr. Cooper told acclaimed sportswriter Dave Mesrey, “Kevin Campbell has been a Godsend. He’s been more than an attorney. He goes above and beyond.” Mr. Blessitt also stated, “The Cummings firm and their awesome guys mean the world to me.”

CMDA congratulates Ike Blessitt on a successful fundraiser and for his continued devotion to Detroit’s youth.