Blackledge passes away
Lancashire have announced the sad news that former captain Joe Blackledge died on Wednesday 19th March, aged 79.
Blackledge captained the Red Rose county as an amateur in 1962 - the last season before the amateur-professional distinction was abolished.
Although he hit 68 against Glamorgan on his debut that season Lancashire won only two matches under his leadership, finishing 16th in the County Championship, and Blackledge stepped down soon after.
He went on to serve on the county’s committee in 1987 and was elected vice-president in 1996 and president in 2001-02.
The hard-hitting batsman played for Chorley, the town of his birth, and finished second highest run-scorer behind West Indies international Rohan Kanhai in 1961 Northern League.
Blackledge previously skippered the Lancashire’s 2nd XI in 1950 and 1951 after completing his national service.
Born in 1928, the right-hander played for Chorley 2nd Xl aged 11. He also represented Kirkby Lonsdale School before going to Repton where he played in the first XI under Derbyshire captain Donald Carr.
After joining the forces the expert slip fielder served mostly in Germany and played for an army team before re-joining Chorley.
Following his stint as Lancashire captain he returned to running his textile business with his nephew, former England rugby union captain Bill Beaumont.
Blackledge was elected onto Lancashire’s committee in 1987 and served on the house/ground and cricket/finance sub committees.
He leaves a wife and three daughters. The funeral will take place at Croston Parish Church on Friday March 28 at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation at Southport crematorium.
