Brevard County Legend Dies
Dick Blake: The Ultimate Friend of Baseball Mavericks
What’s the story behind this 2013 video?
Picture this: spring training in sunny Florida, a bunch of legendary black baseball pioneers making their moves, and a single guy—Dick Blake—who became the go‑to buddy for all of them. The video, aired in 2013, shows how Blake was more than a coach; he was the confidant everyone turned to.
Meet the legends who called him a friend:
- Roy Campanella – the Hall‑of‑Famer who still got compliments for his fastball.
- Jackie Robinson – the trailblazing pioneer who broke the color line.
- Don Newcombe – the ace pitcher who still had chips on his shoulder.
- Maury Wills – the “edible butterfly” speedster.
- Junior Gilliam – a one‑time MLB standout who loved a good story.
- Hank Aaron – the sluggers that carved the record books.
- Willie Mays – the all‑star whose bat was as iconic as his smile.
In short, the video tells us that when a group of trailblazers headed to Florida for spring training, it was Dick Blake who was standing next to them, sharing laughs, advice, and a truthful bond that only true friends can afford. And that’s exactly why he’s remembered as a trusted friend of baseball’s pioneers.
Tribute to a Trailblazer: Richard “Dick” Blake
Brevard County mourns the loss of a legend: Richard “Dick” Blake, a pioneering educator, civil‑rights champion, and Space Coast Sports Hall‑of‑Famer, passed away at 91 on Tuesday. A pillar of Cocoa, his legacy stretches far beyond the classroom.
From the Farms to the Frontlines of Change
- Early Roots: Born in 1933 in the modest community of Bonaventure, Blake grew up as the son of migrant farm workers. Summer trips to New York’s fields taught him grit, humility, and a work ethic that shaped his future.
- Education Pioneer: He shattered the glass ceiling by becoming Brevard Public Schools’ first African‑American principal after desegregation, leading Cocoa High for 23 transformative years.
- Political Power‑House: Blake’s influence didn’t stop at schools. For four straight decades (1976‑2016), he served on the Rockledge City Council—no breaks, no excuses.
Living the Community Dream
Blake’s family motto, “Cocoa is where the family belonged,” echoed throughout his life. His father, Virgil, famously championed the town’s potential, inspiring generations—including his own son, Michael C. Blake, now Cocoa’s mayor.
Recognitions that Keep His Name Alive
- The Brevard County School Board named the Cocoa Jr./Sr. High School stadium “Richard ‘Dick’ Blake Stadium” in his honor (2018).
- Blake Avenue, named after Virgil Blake, stands as a street‑level tribute to civic commitment.
- Newly established Richard ‘Dick’ Blake Scholarship fund at Cocoa High ensures future students remember his influence.
What the City of Cocoa Says
“His passion for the people of Cocoa and Rockledge never wavered,” the city shared in a statement. “The impact of Richard ‘Dick’ Blake will roar through generations.”
Remembering a Sports Legend
Sports historians in Brevard will forever note Dolly’s (Dick’s) incredible journey—a chapter that blends athletic triumphs with a life of public service.
Join us in honoring a man whose spirit still fuels the streets of Cocoa and beyond.
Blake: The Cocoa Classroom Legend
Blake was a beloved long‑time teacher in Cocoa, but his life was anything but ordinary. Born and raised in a town that could barely fit his ten‑sized family, he navigated the chaos of being the seventh of ten siblings.
Family Dynamics: A Living Room with More Than Ten Guests
- Raised in a home that felt like a mini zoo—every room a different adventure.
- Seven siblings plus three brothers only indistinguishable at birth.
- Despite the hustle, eight of his siblings went on to earn college degrees.
Legacy & Lifelong Roots
Blake’s story is also steeped in history: he’s the grandson of freed slaves, carrying a weighty lineage that shaped his appreciation for education and empowerment. He never left Rockledge, the town that became his lifelong home; its streets were part of his classroom and his sanctuary.
Why His Journey Matters
It’s a reminder that greatness can sprout from the most unassuming places—a single‑family home, a small Florida town. Blake’s life proves that perseverance, love, and a touch of humor can transform a humble upbringing into an inspiring legacy for teachers and students alike.
Breaking Barriers: Dick Blake’s Journey From the Field to the Front Office
From a Playful Kid to a Learning Legend
Imagine a boy who started out juggling football, baseball, and basketball – all at the same time – and then went on to become a key teacher‑leader who helped break down some serious barriers. That boy was Dick Blake, a man who spent 11 solid years coaching at Monroe before getting his call in 1966: “Hey, we could use a champ like you on the staff, how about that role?” The answer? “You bet!” And so, Blake became the new assistant principal at Cocoa High School (today’s Rockledge High School), shining a glaring spotlight on integration across Brevard County.
It’s a Family Affair
- He’s the seventh of ten siblings – family size that could have fueled its own sitcom.
- Eight of them went on to earn college degrees, proving that brains and ambition travel together in the Blake household.
- Growing up in Rockledge, his grandma’s stories of freedom set the stage for his future.
The Athlete Who Tied It All Together
- Wide‑receiver on the football field, pulling down catches like the “catch‑me‑if‑you‑can” champion he’d well be.
- First‑baseman in baseball, where he’d slide into the trench and out‑play the opposition.
- Standing a lofty 6‑foot‑5, he teamed up as a forward‑center in basketball, making the top of the backboard his own personal throne.
We used to joke that if you asked “Where do the keys to his success lie?” you’d hear someone say: “Better spawn more degrees than a football coach has touchdown passes.” And there you have it: a man whose life story is a perfect mix of hustle, family, and a fierce sense of social justice.
The Rockledge Sports Legend: Dick Blake — A Story of Wins, Wins, and Even More Wins
From the Uplifting Roots of Freed Slaves to a Sporting Dynasty
Family
- Seventh of ten kids – a massive, bustling household.
- Eight siblings went on to earn college degrees – that’s a family that values education.
Born and raised in the heart of Rockledge, Blake grew up chasing a ball more than a pencil. He used to say, “I’m not just running on fields—I’m running toward future.”
High‑School Star Moments (Cocoa’s Black Monroe High School)
While most kids were blowing on ice cream trucks, Blake had a magnetic rain of palpable talent.
- Football: Wide receiver – like a human Slackline dart, always aiming for touchdown.
- Baseball: First baseman – read the ball’s moves faster than most forget their own reflection.
- Basketball: 6-foot‑5 forward‑center – he could swoop down the alley‑oop while others just dribbled.
He snagged a scholarship to Florida A&M University. There, he played basketball AND football, proving that a single person can juggle two sports sparks a whole campus buzz.
From Coach to Classroom Icon
After graduation, Derek didn’t just jump into a boardroom. He stepped into the classroom and onto the field again: a nerdy coach who could spell “biology” and “math” with the same flair he used for a stretch‑break. By 1955, he became the head coach for football and basketball at Monroe High School — a growth freak who taught science and mathematics to the same students that cheered him on.
Monroe High School: The Fort Houston USA
In the segregated era of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Association, Blake turned the school into a report card for victory.
- 1963 – 3rd place in the state – only the third best thing that ever happened.
- 1964 – runner‑up – half‑the glory, full‑the sweat.
- 1965 – State champions – first of a double streak.
- 1966 – State champions again – the back‑to‑back Win‑Stop.
So, if you ask any Rockledge resident, the memory of Dick Blake isn’t just about sports – it’s about relentless hustle, family pride, and a kid who stayed behind the briefcase and delivered a last‑second point with the same quiet confidence his grandparents had early in his life.
He was more than a player; he was a legend in both the early black colleges and the high‑school arenas, turning the spirit of Rockledge into a legacy of hope and success.
Mighty Dick Blake: Coach, Pioneer, and the Man Behind Brevard’s First Class Integration
After an 11‑year reign as the head coach at Monroe, Dick Blake was pulled into a new arena in 1966. Instead of swatting basketballs, he was asked to mount the school‑house’s architectural ladder as the assistant principal at Cocoa High School – the place that’s now Rockledge High School. His mission? Gently coax the county’s schools into a smooth, people‑friendly merger of black and white students.
Why It Was Nerve‑Racking Yet Necessary
- Hold up a ball we’re both familiar with. “Integrate,” they said, “like you would run a full‑court press.”
- Drop a rulebook on the floor. Elementary murmurings about segregation drifted into loud, civic debates.
- Count your fans. The county’s future depended on the outcome.
Key Players in the Playbook
- Bob Blubaugh – the man who later rode the superintendent helm in Brevard County.
- Abe Collinsworth – first principal of Astronaut High, soon to become Brevard Public Schools’ chief executive officer.
Fostering a Friendship, A Winning Combination
Blake’s connection with Abe wasn’t just institutional. They were old‑school rivals on the AAU court and counted each other as a go‑to in the Eau Gallie basketball hall. Their partnership proved that a sturdy coaching bond could pave the way for progressive changes in civil‑rights history.
Striking a Balance Between Games and Governance
Back then, coaches had to juggle a 50‑word lesson sheet and community heat. Dick Blake proved that the spirit of a “full‑court press” could be transferred to school board meetings—turning “inclusion” into a transparent game plan that echoed trumpet-like chorus across Cape Canaveral’s playgrounds.
From Segregation to Sporting Glory: Dick Blake’s Basketball Brilliance
Meet the Legend
In a time when schools were split by a white‑line on the map, one coach turned his teams into real powerhouses in the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Association. That man was Dick Blake.
Monroe High School: The Crown Jewel
- 1963 – third place in the state.
- 1964 – runners‑up, getting closer to the title.
- 1965 & 1966 – back‑to‑back state championships! Touchdown, that was a dynamic duo that the state courts hadn’t seen before.
Why This Matters
Blake recalls a bold tournament in 1966 that changed the game. Archbishop Abe pulled together all of Brevard County’s white high schools and the three black high schools. The tourney practically challenged segregation head‑on.
Final Showdown
In the championship game, Eau Gallie squared up against Monroe. The smart court came: Dick Blake vs. Coach Collinsworth. Folks, the story ends with an electrifying moment—Alfonso “Butch Dennis from Monroe snatches the ball right away from Rudy Hannah, the star of Eau Gallie. He dashes for a lay‑up. Picture that: a heart‑pounding steal, the crowd erupts, the buzzer calls destiny. It’s the sort of scene that reminds us sports can break barriers one play at a time.
Remembering Dick Blake: A 33‑Year‑Old Ref with a Heart
A Coach, an Administrator, and a Referee‑In‑Disguise
“I spent 33 years picking skaters… eh? No, sorry, that was a typo—33 years in high‑school basketball halls, calling whistles and making sure the game ran smooth.”
When the folks from Monroe High gathered for their state‑championship anniversary, it wasn’t just about the trophy. They were there to celebrate the guy who played every part of the basketball story: the coach, the administrator, and the whistle‑blowing legend, Dick Blake.
Why the 33 Years Count?
- Refereeing — “That’s the fun part. 33 calls, countless fouls, and zero coffee spills.”
- Leadership — “Guided teams, solved disputes, and kept the game fair.”
- Legacy — “His voice on the bench became a soundtrack for many generations.”
What Came Happen at the Tournament
Imagine a game where the only thing bigger than the ball is the drama. That was the scene when Hannah delivered a hard foul, shoving Dennis into the wall behind the backboard. It wasn’t a clash for points; it was a clash for humanity.
“Collinsworth stepped in, tackled the foul, and shook the bench.”
Blake observed that after the incident, Collinsworth took Hannah out for a while—no funny business, just a moment to let the heat cool. Dennis got the bench in the end, but it wasn’t about a single win; it was about building better bridges between different backgrounds.
Beyond the Basketball Court
This tournament wasn’t about who scored the most or who’d ever win the MVP. It was a bighearted playground—emphasizing relationships over numbers.
- Encouraged kids to talk, laugh, and learn from each other.
- Turned the court into a safety zone for trust.
- Showed that every basket, whether made or not, could spark a conversation.
Bottom Line
With Dick Blake’s voice loud and honest, the game taught us that sports are about teamwork like life itself. If basketball had lessons, this wasn’t just a match, it was a masterclass on respect, friendship, and the power of a good whistle.
Meet Dick Blake: From the Court to the Classroom
Who’s he? Dick Blake was more than just a name on a list of officials; he was a cornerstone of his community, a mentor, and a family man with three kids:
- Michael – who later became Cocoa’s first Black mayor
- Mark – the other son who shared the family’s love for sports and service
- Sheralyn – the daughter who stayed close to her dad’s heart‑warming legacy
From the Ref’s Lens to the Principal’s Desk
Take a look at the timeline that turned a 33‑year bending‑leg legend into a beloved school principal:
- 1970-2003 – Dick lines up plays on the basketball court, calling games for kids across the state with a top‑tier score of 5.
- 1978-2003 – While refereeing, he also climbed the ranks at Cocoa High School, right up to principal.
- 2003 – After a glorious career that crossed town and touch‑stone debates, he steps into retirement with a head full of memories and a heart full of pride.
That’s a tremendous mix of marching the ball in every game and then marching the school in the classroom. Both roles told stories of dedication, results, and community pride.
Fleeting Moments on & Off the Court
When the old Cocoa High building finally unfurled its new spine, an old friend—Jack Collinsworth—joined Blake’s crew. These were the times when classrooms were buzzing, drills were rehearsed, and every corner of the school resounded with the relentless gives and takes that only a true educator could inspire.
Legacy in Numbers
- 33 years on the hardwood – Each game was a ‘boom’ of talent that’s seldom seen.
- Rank 5 – This was the top most spot when it came to officiating: a goal they really took seriously.
- He called both boys and girls games – No gender bias – all bright eyes worth of play.
Full Circle with the Community
Beyond basketball, you’ll find Dick sharing stories of early Black pioneers in baseball. They spent spring training in Florida, exploring the nation’s natural life. “If I had a rubber stamp on history, it would be for those brave athletes who kept the game alive, regardless of what they faced.” He knew a lot about change.
Dick’s legacy is a story of trust, dedication, and community. He kept students moving forward with memories of both the pep and the lessons. One of the first Black mayors from Cocoa, his family carried their learnings, and even as he retired, the impact vibrated within the school’s halls. If you remember a man who bounced from teacher to referee, you’ll remember him ending the moment loud and proud. Remember if there is a true teacher that won your bill of deeds: he’s that unforgettable Dick Blake.
A Tribute to Dick Blake
For 36 years, the guy named Dick Blake kept the lights on in Rockledge City Council—longer than any other elected hero in the Space Coast. That’s a record that’s still standing, and it’s not because of flashy headlines but because of a lifetime of dedication.
The Baseball Connection
- Roy Campanella
- Jackie Robinson
- Don Newcombe
- Maury Wills
- Junior Gilliam
- Hank Aaron
- Willie Mays
Every one of these legends once called Blake a trusted friend. Think of it: baseball’s greatest talent building a bond with a civic leader.
Family and Legacy
Blake’s household was never a quiet one. He raised three kids: Michael, who went on to become Cocoa’s first black mayor; Mark; and Sheralyn. So, not only was his public service a legacy, his family’s achievements added another chapter.
A City Park, a Homage
In recent years, the municipality renamed one of its parks after him—because why not put the name “Blake” where everyone can see it when they’re strolling through the city?
Beyond Politics
Beyond the council roll call, Blake had a career as an athlete, a sports official, an educator, and a school administrator. He also steamed through civil‑rights battles and championed racial equality. Everyone says he did more for the community than most people can say in an entire lifetime.
Hall of Fame
It was only fitting that in 2013, he was inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame. When folks introduced him that day, the whole crowd swore they felt the echoes of the cheers from the baseball diamonds.
Long may his story stay on the books—and in the hearts of the people who remember that Dick Blake was more than a name on a wall; he was a reminder that dedicated service can change a whole coast.
Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame’s Own Trailblazer: Dick Blake
Born to Chase Two Goals
Imagine a kid who runs from the first flip‑flop to Hamilton’s home stadium every Saturday, chasing a ball and dreaming of astronaut boots at the same time. That kid is Dick Blake, the captivating figure who turned the Space Coast into a sporting playground while giving NASA a chuckle every time he tossed a ball by the launch pad.
Who is Dick Blake?
- Love for the game – From high school quarterback to college wide‑receiver, Dick made every play feel like a venture into the stars.
- Coaching wizard – He wasn’t just a player; he was the mastermind that built whole teams from scratch, proving you don’t need fancy gear—just a winning mindset.
- Sports administrator extraordinaire – In the 1970s he forged the “Space Coast Sports League.” His idea? Let the athletes do their thing while the county funded the practice fields and the tradition of the annual all‑star game formed its own constellation.
What Makes Him a Pioneer?
Picture this: a kid in a spaceship-themed uniform, blowing out candles that are actually baseball bats. Dick’s trajectory wasn’t about rockets; it was about turning the impossible into a weekly reality. He pioneered:
- First integrated sports program in the Space Coast, breaking social barriers in a time when the words “rockets” and “rock” felt far apart.
- Teaching athletes that teamwork is the launch pad for success; ball by ball, practice by practice.
- Establishing community scholarships that let high school athletes keep their flight plans straight with the “space budget.”
His Legacy in the Hall of Fame
When Dick got officially inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, the whole community rang in his triumph—pumped up cheers, a crowd that felt, as if the cheering echoed across the launchpad. The inductee’s quote felt like a rocket launch: “Sports isn’t just a game; it’s a community that lifts each other up.”
Why Everyone Loves Dick
- He was never a push‑your‑self-only type. He always said, “Let’s push forward together.”
- He made ice‑cream hours after practice a tradition that made athletes look forward to the next game, not the nerves.
- His unofficial motto: “Run fast, play hard, dream big.” and it was a secret coaching cheat‑sheet.
Bottom Line
Space Coast has its rockets, and it has its heroes. Dick Blake is one who ran the field like a shuttle, danced with defenders like a spaceship in a meteor shower, and left footprints that are now written in the Hall of Fame. He taught us that sports can be a launchpad in any universe, be it a stadium or a spaceport. Throw a ball to the sky, and you’ll see—your dreams won’t be stuck on the ground anymore.
A Spectacular Night in the Space Coast – The Hall of Fame Awards
Why the Crowd Was Roaring
Family-friendly fun: Parents, teachers, & local heroes all gathered to celebrate community champions.
Heroes on display: Every awardee was handed a glowing plaque – the kind that would make your grandpa blush.
Feel-good vibes: From heartfelt speeches to jokes that got the room laughing, the atmosphere was simply electric.
Highlights You Missed (But You Can Still Watch!)
The Opening Salute – A bang‑inspiring display from the Space Coast’s sky‑watchers that left everyone in awe.
Iconic Award Moments – Hear those proud recipients share a quick thank‑you to the folks who put them in the spotlight.
Live‑Stream Replay – Grab your popcorn and enjoy the full ceremony, anytime, anywhere—no tickets needed!
Meet the Real Stars
Mr. Joe Stellar – “I gave all my energy to keeping our schools safe; I’m just glad I was recognized.”
Sgt. Maya Collins – “Communities thrive when leaders step up, and this one day felt like a wave of appreciation.”
Final Takeaway
A night that unites, celebrates, and reminds us that true heroes are right in our own neighborhoods. If you missed it, hop onto the replay and feel the joy—because every story deserves a standing ovation.
