John Blair Fitts
Graduating class: 1971
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2005
Hall of Fame Category: Athlete
Blair was a four-sport letterman while at FHS playing football, basketball, baseball, and track. In football, he played the end position and was referred to as the "sparkplug" of the offense. Mostly used on key plays, Blair often bullied his way into the end zone.
His greatest success was in the sports of basketball and baseball. His senior year, Blair earned Standard Times All Scholastic Team honors. He was the eighth leading scorer in the conference from the forward position. He averaged 14 points per game on a team that compiled a 12-5 record and qualified for the Class C Tech Tourney, losing in the second round.
He was selected as a Capeway Conference All-Star and a member of the all Suburban Team. Coach Wayne Wilson remarked that Blair was the "most improved and consistent player on the squad".
In baseball Blair was a pitcher. He racked up a 6-0 record on a team that was 16- l in conference play. Their one loss was a 17 inning 4-3 heartbreaker against Falmouth. It was the first Capeway Conference Championship in baseball for Fairhaven High School. This Blue Devil squad had beaten every greater New Bedford school at least once during the season and advanced to the state tournament. Blair was the starting pitcher in the final round losing to South Boston 5-2 making them the Class B runner-up.
Blair was the co-recipient of the Edmund Andrews Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the athlete who reflects the greatest credit on F.H.S.
Blair was also a member of the Key Club, a service organization, serving as vice president his senior year. He was also in the chorus and the monitor squad.
Blair has served as the president of the Gridiron Club for 6 years and has been a member of the All Sports Booster Club. He was a volunteer cook at football camp for 6 years and served on the committee for football field lights. He also helped to develop the Shaw Road Baseball Complex. He has coached Little League, Pony League, and All-Star teams as well as coached and refereed youth basketball league.