Blackwell's Biggest Sports Fan to Be Honored at NBC World Series Championship

For decades, if there was a sporting event in Blackwell, chances are Max Smyth was already in the stands.

Whether it was a Blackwell Maroons football game on a Friday night, a baseball game at Morgan Field, a wrestling tournament, a band concert or a school activity, Smyth had a simple promise whenever students or athletes invited him.

"I'll be there."

Now, one of Blackwell's most recognizable supporters is receiving national recognition for another lifelong passion: baseball.

The NBC World Series in Wichita, Kansas, has announced that Smyth will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Championship Night, Saturday, Aug. 1, in recognition of more than seven decades of unwavering support for one of the nation's oldest amateur baseball tournaments.

The first pitch is expected around 6:40 p.m. before the championship game begins at 7 p.m. at Equity Bank Park in downtown Wichita.

For Smyth, the honor is the culmination of a tradition that began as a child.

According to family members, Smyth first attended the NBC World Series in 1950 with his grandfather, Emery Smyth, who was an avid baseball fan. Every summer, the family planned vacations around making sure they returned home in time to attend the tournament's championship week.

That tradition never stopped.

Over the past 75 years, Smyth has attended the NBC World Series every summer except one, making the trip from Blackwell to Wichita year after year.

The tournament recently recognized his remarkable dedication, noting that he has missed just a single NBC World Series since first attending in 1950.

"Meet Max," tournament officials wrote in a social media post. "Since 1950, Max has been coming up to the NBC World Series, and he has only missed ONE tournament. Max drives from Blackwell, Oklahoma every year to make sure he is at Championship Week."

The honor comes as no surprise to those who know Smyth.

His love of sports extends far beyond professional or collegiate baseball.

For generations, he has become a fixture at Blackwell High School athletic events, youth sports contests, school performances and community celebrations.

Students and athletes often tell Smyth about upcoming games or performances, knowing they'll likely receive the same response.

"I'll be there."

And more often than not, he is.

That unwavering support earned Smyth the Spirit of Blackwell Award during the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing his dedication to the community and his enthusiastic support of local organizations and events.

In 2023, Smyth was once again recognized for his passion when City Manager Jerry Wieland selected him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Blackwell Flycatchers' inaugural home game, the first home contest in franchise history.

"Max Smyth is the pinnacle of a sports fan in Blackwell," Wieland said at the time. "We are honored that he is throwing out the first pitch on opening night."

When informed of the honor, an emotional Smyth said he was both surprised and grateful.

A 1958 graduate of Blackwell High School, Smyth also played baseball for the Maroons, further cementing a lifelong connection to the game he continues to celebrate today.

Family members are now encouraging Blackwell residents to make the trip to Wichita and support Smyth as he receives one of the highest honors of his life.

After years of hearing Smyth tell others, "I'll be there," they hope the community will answer with those same words.

The NBC World Series Championship Night will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at Equity Bank Park in downtown Wichita. Smyth's ceremonial first pitch is expected shortly before the 7 p.m. championship game.

For countless athletes, students and community members who have looked into the stands over the years and seen Max Smyth cheering them on, Aug. 1 offers an opportunity to return the favor.

After all, when Blackwell needed someone in the stands, Max was always there.

Now, Blackwell has a chance to be there for Max.