I have the unfortunate task of passing along news that former Orioles center fielder Paul Blair died tonight.

From what I understand, Blair collapsed in a Pikesville bowling alley. He was 69.

Blair played his first 13 seasons with the Orioles and was part of the 1966, ‘69, ‘70 and ‘71 World Series teams. He won two titles with the Orioles and two more with the Yankees.

Blair won eight Gold Gloves and was named to the American League’s All-Star team in 1969 and 1973. His final season came in 1980 with the Yankees.

Blair, who won seven straight Gold Gloves from 1969-75, was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 1984.

It was Blair’s home run in Game 3 of the 1966 World Series that accounted for all the scoring in the Orioles’ 1-0 victory over the Dodgers. They went on to complete the sweep for their first world championship.

The Orioles are in the process of gathering more information, which I’ll relay to you as it becomes available.

Blair had suffered a heart attack three days before Christmas at age 66. Doctor told him that the main coronary artery was 98 percent blocked.

Surgeons inserted a stent in the artery and prescribed four months of physical therapy for Blair, who continued to make frequent appearances for the Orioles.

Blair served as Coppin State’s baseball coach from 1998-2002.