Sheriff Blake, born John Frederick Blake on September 17, 1899, in Ansted, West Virginia, was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. His career spanned several teams and showcased his skills on the mound during an era when baseball was solidifying its place as America's pastime.

Blake began his professional career with the Chicago Cubs, making his debut on September 21, 1920. His early years in the majors were marked by a struggle to find consistency, but he gradually developed into a reliable pitcher. After a brief stint with the Cubs, he spent time with the Milwaukee Brewers, a minor league team, where he honed his craft and worked on his pitching mechanics.

Returning to the major leagues, Blake joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1923. His time with the Pirates was short-lived, and he soon found himself back with the Cubs. It was during his second tenure with Chicago that Blake began to establish himself as a dependable starting pitcher. He became known for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance, relying on a mix of pitches that included a fastball, curveball, and changeup.

The mid-1920s saw Blake become a fixture in the Cubs' rotation. In 1925, he posted a 17-11 record with a 3.27 ERA, one of his best seasons. His performance helped the Cubs remain competitive in the National League, and he continued to be a steady presence on the mound for the team over the next few years.

In 1929, Blake was part of the Cubs team that won the National League pennant. Although the Cubs ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Athletics in the World Series, Blake's contributions during the regular season were instrumental in their success. He finished the season with a 14-13 record and a 3.27 ERA, further cementing his reputation as a reliable pitcher.

Blake's career with the Cubs came to an end in 1931 when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. His time with the Cardinals was brief, and he soon moved on to the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Phillies, Blake continued to pitch effectively, though his career was beginning to wind down.

In 1933, Blake joined the New York Giants, where he played a supporting role on a team that featured several standout pitchers. His final season in the majors came in 1937 with the St. Louis Browns. Over the course of his career, Blake compiled a 87-102 win-loss record and a 4.13 ERA, numbers that reflect both his longevity and the challenges he faced during his time in the majors.

After retiring from baseball, Blake's life outside the sport remains less documented.

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