Richard Baldwin Video

Rodney A. Labbe:  E-mail: yendor1152@yahoo.com

RICHARD BALDWIN:  The Seeker By Rod Labbe

Dr. Richard Baldwin can discuss Sartre and world politics at the drop of a hat, engage any scholar in an animated discussion about ancient religions, and enthrall a classroom filled with eager, young (and sometimes not so young) college students.  Away from academia, he might be spied strolling Florida’s sandy white beaches, pensive and thoughtful…but if you see him at the gym, stand clear.

That’s where Richard enters a world of his own design. Muscle is the subject at hand, creating Art the goal, a life-long objective that continues to burn like wildfire. There’s no chitchat, no philosophical dissertations on existentialism or Kafka’s Metamorphosis. An intriguing dichotomy, definitely. Could Richard Baldwin be Clark Kent? Bruce Banner in disguise? Jekyll and Hyde?

You’re thiiiis close.  Try “Legend”.

Richard would be the first among us to reject so grand a label as “Legend.” His Bodybuilding career was but a minor thread in the tapestry of our Sport, he’d joke.  Hardly worth a second look, let alone being termed legendary.  He’ll laugh at the notion of an interview, claiming to be “too busy” or “unworthy.”  Ah, but is anyone more worthy?

Many things are considered when selecting an Ironman Legend.  For one, the inductee has to have made an impact.  Number two, they must possess something unique, something solely identified with them as an individual.  Number three, and perhaps most importantly, an Ironman Legend should continue to shine, long after the spotlight has dimmed. Dr. Baldwin (yes, he’s earned his Ph.D.) easily meets those qualifications, while adding still another: thoughtful intelligence.

Thus, he deserves the royal Ironman treatment, and that’s exactly what we’re giving him.

In the mid 70’s and throughout most of the 80’s, Richard Baldwin’s classical physique had pundits and fans fumbling for superlatives.  Studied from any angle, it glistened like a brand new sportscar…and when the clutch was popped, he burned major rubber. Even in 2003, when Mass dominates, his proportioned build gives pause for introspection.  Is this what Bodybuilding could have been?  Should have been?  I think we know the answer.

Richard no longer competes, but he’s not lost that ever-startling ability to draw double takes and googly-eyed stares. As we sat across from another, I couldn’t help noticing how the locker room lights made him look outrageously shredded, and indeed, it wasn’t mere illusion.  He maintains a superlative physique, incorporating plenty of beef with those ferociously cool Baldwin aesthetics.

Heck, I shouldn’t have been surprised.  After all–he’s a Legend. .

RICHARD BALDWIN

1. Isn’t Life strange? Here I am, interviewing idols from my youth, and it seems so natural, almost…predestined.

RICHARD:  Rod, I understand how you feel, because I’ve oftentimes experienced the same with my idols.  Larry Scott, for one.

2. Oh, yeah! Larry’s awesome. A true gentleman.

RICHARD:  He’s always looked incredible, and you won’t meet a nicer guy…but are you actually saying I’m one of your idols, Rod (laughs)? Come on, now.

3. Whoops, I’m blushing! Ok, I’ll admit it. You’re my idol.

RICHARD (laughs):  Now I’m the one blushing.

4. It’s easy to see why I admire you. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, nobody exemplified balanced muscle better than Zane and Baldwin. Mass is cool, but give me clean aesthetics every time.

RICHARD:  I’m flattered to hear that.  Guess I did something right!  My body is naturally lean, and I wanted to have a beautiful build, the kind you see on a statue. I’m frankly surprised by emails I receive after all these years…people are apparently inspired by my efforts!

5. Even here, in a locker room full of muscle-bound college jocks, you stand out.

RICHARD:  I assumed my time as a mini-celebrity was over.

6. Terms like ‘jacked’ and ‘ripped’ come immediately to this fan’s addled mind.

RICHARD: Stop, stop!  I can’t handle such an onslaught of compliments!

7. All right, I’m psyched big-time, my tape’s running, and the world is waiting: let’s hear Richard Baldwin’s heartfelt saga.

RICHARD:  Ah, sweet memories of childhood!  Such a happy, glorious time.  I lived in St. Louis, Missouri, with my parents, a sister, and three brothers.  Being the oldest, I had a blast doing the job of a big brother by harassing my younger siblings!

8. Insert typical interview question here: did you go the sports route?

RICHARD:  Well, I’ve never liked team sports, per se.  I took a class in gymnastics at college, and they offered me a spot on their team, but I declined it.  I’d just started lifting and didn’t want to remain at the low body weight necessary for competition.

9. What solidified Bodybuilding as Baldwin’s sport of choice?

RICHARD:  That’s an easy one.  A picture of John Grimek in Strength and Health did it  for me.  As early as third grade, I’d started a program of physical fitness because I didn’t want to be an out of shape adult.  I began running, doing push-ups, chin-ups, and sit-ups.   Then, I saw Grimek’s picture and realized that Bodybuilding was my sport.

10. I’d think lifting would be a demanding discipline for any kid.

RICHARD:  No, not at all…I loved it! I only weighed 120-130 pounds when I graduated from high school.  Once the weight training hit its stride, I consistently gained ten pounds of solid muscle each year.  You’ve heard Bodybuilders say that they sculpted their bodies…I did the same thing.  Just like an artist.

11. You were building a kickass body, but to what end?

RICHARD:  At first, I lifted for health purposes. During junior year in college, a few buddies saw my collection of muscle magazines and said ‘you look better than those guys.’ That flicked on a mental light bulb, and I decided to find out if they were right!

12. The big leap–competitive Bodybuilding!

RICHARD:  First contests are wondrous experiences!  I’d worked on individual poses but hadn’t melded them into a coherent routine.  Casey Viator was there, and we struck up a conversation.  He very kindly offered to help me with my posing…and I won!  I don’t remember ever thanking him; I was too busy floating on air!  Now’s my chance. Thanks, Casey!

13. Taking that first contest ignited your career.

RICHARD:  I did the best I could.  I attended contests and bought films of the great Bodybuilders of the day–like Zane, Corney, and Pearl–so I could study their routines.   Behind it was the thought that I wanted to present something beautiful, not just a big hunk  of veins and gnarly muscle.

14. As I said, the Baldwin physique had much in common with Frank’s–smooth lines, great balance, all presented with an aggressive testosterone punch.

RICHARD:  You describe it so well, Rod.  What a silver tongue!

15. Hey, I’m the one doling out compliments! I’m your fan, remember?

RICHARD (hands behind head): Heh-heh.  Personally, I never liked the chunky fireplug look.  I didn’t want to have a physique like a lumberjack; I wanted to be a Greek god.  The emphasis has always been on proportion and symmetry, with broad shoulders and a small waist.

16. Not like today’s behemoths.

RICHARD:  They’re not really new, are they?   Mass monsters have been around for almost two decades.

17. Yeah, unfortunately. Whenever you have a genetically gifted Bodybuilder, one who accentuates proportion and symmetry, it’s a good bet he won’t be winning Mr. Olympia.

RICHARD:  Not to sound like an old fogy, but most of today’s waistlines are much too big.  Flex Wheeler is a prime example.  In my opinion, he no longer has the beautiful physique that he displayed in his first Arnold Classic win.  My favourite recent Bodybuilders continue to be Lee Labrada and Shawn Ray.

18. From your perspective, is contemporary Bodybuilding an endeavour you’d recommend for young athletes?

RICHARD:  No!  I recently saw Ronnie Coleman give an exhibition, and I didn’t care for his physique at all. The extreme level of today’s chemically enhanced builds isn’t Bodybuilding to me.  And I am not just picking on Ronnie.  Every top pro–with the exception of Shawn Ray–looks unhealthy and bloated.  Great arms, backs, and huge legs do not make up for enormous protruding stomachs!

19. Women’s Bodybuilding is an issue that can raise a few hackles!

RICHARD:  I may be wrong in thinking this, but the powers that be have given up efforts to move Ms. Olympia into less of a who-takes-the-most-male-hormones competition.  That contest has almost been killed off by competitors turning themselves into male Bodybuilders, complete with low voices, facial hair, etc.  Splitting female Bodybuilding into hardcore and fitness, and now figure, just bled interest in the hardcore off.

20. Uh-oh–touched a nerve!

RICHARD (leaning forward):  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not denigrating Bodybuilders as individuals. In fact, I admire their drive and determination. I’m amazed at the hard work and dieting and constant illegal drug taking it takes to achieve that look, but it holds absolutely no appeal for me.

21. In their defence, don’t you believe the same guys and gals would be winning if steroids were gone tomorrow?

RICHARD:  Drugs only kick things up a notch.  Ronnie Coleman has a natural physique with good bone structure.  He has had to go to the extreme to be the world’s top Bodybuilder.  My problem is that pro Bodybuilding has become chemical warfare, and the bodies produced by all the drug taking have become unaesthetic, even ugly!

22. I keep hearing there’ll be a turnaround, but the only things turning are the calendar pages.

RICHARD:  There won’t be real change!  The general public isn’t there, and so Bodybuilding will remain a subculture. Pros will never get the money that other athletes do in more accepted sports.

23. Whenever I’m at the gym, invariably there’s a monster in residence. But the dudes who get noticed are those who know a thing or two about aesthetics.

RICHARD:  Exactly.  And I’ll bet they feel much better, too.  Carrying around so much bloat can’t be a pleasant experience.

24. What were your competitive stats?

RICHARD:  I wasn’t concerned so much about actual measurements, but as I made progress, I kept measuring my arms until they reached the 19-inch mark.  After that, I worked on shape and used the mirror to chart my progress.  My waist looked too small at 29 inches, so I used weighted exercises until the muscle expanded to at least 30.  The same goes for my thighs.  I worked them until they were a muscular 26.   My chest was 48, I believe, and calves around 17.

25. You exited the field on top of your game. Why?

RICHARD:  For several reasons.  First, Bodybuilding was becoming a job, instead of a fun thing.  My whole life was dedicated to eating, sleeping, and training–though I did find time to earn some Masters degrees and eventually a Ph.D.  Second, I did not like the fact that Bodybuilding had deteriorated into a chemical war zone.  It got out of hand.  I didn’t want to be involved in what I considered the destruction of our Sport.

26. You’re living proof that the lean/mean physique never goes out of style.

RICHARD:  It makes me happy to know that my achievements have inspired others to do their best at physical development.  I’ve received dozens of emails from fans who want advice, etc., which makes it difficult to respond in a timely manner.  But I try to personally answer every single one.

27. The pinnacle point of your competitive career was when?

RICHARD:  As with any Bodybuilder, the high point is the first contest won. In my case, it was Mr. South Texas.  Although winning Mr. Texas drug-free against other competitors who were on steroids also proved a very satisfying experience! Don’t get me wrong, being a national NPC champion and 1st runner up in the IFBB Mr. Universe was also wild, but by then, it seemed like work, instead of fun.

28. Any judging disappointments along the way?

RICHARD:  I haven’t had too many disappointments, but there were contests that I thought I should have won but didn’t.  After one such event, the judges came to me and said they couldn’t figure out what had happened, because they’d voted for me.  When I asked the promoter for his score sheets, he said they’d been lost!  I can think of one other show where politics were against me.  In fact, I’d been warned beforehand that the hometown boy would win, no matter how good the other competitors looked!  The poor kid came up to me afterwards, apologized, and said he had nothing to do with it!

29. Oh, my God!

RICHARD:  It all worked out in the end.  I’ve won contests that might have gone either way and were a big disappointment to somebody else.  But I am not aware of any that were rigged in my favour.  Besides, I didn’t have to enter the ones that I knew beforehand were rigged, but I was young, loved competition, and just couldn’t believe someone would rig a contest!

30. Since your departure, the Bodybuilding scene has deteriorated into a landscape of drugs, politics, and cutthroat tactics.

RICHARD:  I don’t think the Mr. Olympia will ever see a physique like Zane, Dickerson, or Samir Bannout winning again.  It’s grand that Shawn Ray is still garnering top 5 status, but he should’ve won the Mr. O on at least two previous occasions, in my opinion.  Is his big mouth crippling his career?  I don’t know.  But I do know that, with very few exceptions, recent physiques don’t do a thing for me. Instead, I refer to my old stack of magazines, featuring outstanding photos of Scott, Zane, Schwarzenegger, Columbo, Benfatto, Grimek, and Pearl.

31. Yeah, those guys had power to send the adrenaline pumping!

RICHARD:  I saw Pearl give his last exhibition in the United States before that mind-blowing 1971 Mr. Universe victory, and let me tell you, Rod, he looked like a Greek god or an alien.  Bill has to be the most proportionate, big man in our Sport.  He challenged everyone to compete against him by announcing a year earlier that he’d be entering–and winning–the Professional Mr. Universe one last time.  All the great Bodybuilders answered–Frank Zane, Boyer Coe, Sergio Oliva, etc., except Arnold.  His contract with Weider wouldn’t allow it.  Pearl won the title, although he was 41, and immediately went down in Bodybuilding History.

32. You have a particular liking for Larry.

RICHARD:  Man, who doesn’t?  Larry was the blond beach god of his day.  I don’t think anyone has ever drawn fan worship like Larry Scott.  He was the first Bodybuilder to have huge arms that flowed nicely with the rest of his physique.  A wonderful individual in every respect.

33. I’ve worked with Larry and walked away with a whole new perspective on him. Not only is he a gracious champion, he’s also gone the distance by helping me out as a loyal friend.

RICHARD:  Your articles about Larry were illuminating.  You caught his essence, Rod–the spark that makes him so neat.

34. Thanks. Did you know John Grimek was instrumental in getting my freelance writing career underway? Without his encouragement, I’d never have tested the waters.

RICHARD:  John Grimek.  Wow.  What can I say about John that hasn’t already been said?  He was a genetic freak far ahead of his time and remains the only Bodybuilder to win every contest he entered.  His muscles were as athletic and strong, and his poses were pure poetry in motion.

35. How about Zane?

RICHARD:  Frank Zane looked like a tennis player in clothes, but when he went up on that platform, he transformed into an unbeatable combination of art and eye-popping muscularity.  And what a spectacular poser!  Few men, other than Pearl, Labrada, Chris Dickerson, and maybe Ed Corney, have ever come close to him.

36. Wo-ho, Richard, you gave it a pretty good try!

RICHARD:  I consider that undeserved flattery.

37. Don’t be so modest, big guy!

RICHARD:  Can’t help it, Rod. Just my nature.

38. Then, this’ll really embarrass you! Everybody knows part of the Baldwin mystique had to do with your sex appeal–it’s, shall we say, potent!

RICHARD:  Potent, huh? An interesting term!  I’ve had surprising reactions everywhere I go, from the beach to everyday life.

39. Any amusing stories?

RICHARD:  One I clearly remember occurred before Bodybuilding was quite as accepted as it is today.  I was sunning for a contest when a couple came strolling down the beach in my direction.  The guy did the talking: ‘Hey, I noticed you’re a Bodybuilder, and I just wanted to ask a question about my waist.  I’m not interested in getting all muscley, or anything, because girls don’t like that, do they, honey?’ He turned to his girlfriend, who was eyeing me up and down.  ‘Yeah!’ she exclaimed.  I couldn’t believe she was being so obvious, what with her boyfriend standing right there!

40. You turned that chick on, dude!

RICHARD:  Guess so!

41. How often do you hit the gym in 2003?

RICHARD:  At least four to five days a week.

42. I must say, you cut a rather dashing figure.

RICHARD:  Man, you really are my fan!

43. You had doubts?

RICHARD:  Nah, buddy, never!  Seriously, Bodybuilding is underscored by a sensuality that, in the beginning, I didn’t quite understand.  I mainly thought of myself as an artist, creating a sculpture from skin, muscle, and bone. It surprises me when someone’s turned on by the end result. But you know what? We’re losing our sensuality, too.  A big, intimidating monster isn’t sexy, at least to the general public.  It’s just scary.

44. Speaking of sex appeal, wasn’t there some controversy over one of your cover shots for Muscular Development (July/August 1975)? I seem to recall a letter complaining about the bulge in your shorts!

RICHARD: Yeah. It’s funny, now.  The posing trunks I was wearing, a pair of Zane briefs, appeared rather revealing under certain lighting conditions.  I’d posed for some shots that were sent in without my having reviewed them first.  MD liked them and wanted to use one on the cover–which they airbrushed–but they forgot to airbrush the trunks in a black-and-white photo inside.

45. My word, someone had a problem with that? All the greats did nude studies. Look at Steve Reeves. Larry, too. His work for Western Photography Guild can’t be faulted. It’s living, breathing art.

RICHARD: (shakes head). Times certainly have changed. Grimek’s nudes were masterful, and Larry was a true pioneer. The camera loved them.

46. When’s the last time any muscle magazine did something significant on you?

RICHARD:   Honestly, I can’t remember!  I was asked to submit some articles by a major magazine a few years ago and never did.  I also intended on writing a book on training, but Fred Hatfield’s Scientific Bodybuilding was so good, I dropped that idea!

47. Bodybuilders in the 60’s and early 70’s could’ve used a good PR person. Case in point: Don’t Make Waves and Muscle Beach Party! A fit body was one thing, but whenever it went beyond ‘average,’ even slightly, labels started being thrown about…and they were usually far from complimentary.

RICHARD:  The only negatives I recall hearing were from males who themselves didn’t train.  I think the reason why I didn’t receive too many nasty remarks was because people perceived me as more than a musclehead.

48. The mags saw you that way, too. You were presented almost like a college student who happened to have a rockin’ bod!

RICHARD:  I recall one conversation with an editor of a popular Bodybuilding magazine who said, ‘Baldwin, you’re the only Bodybuilder I can stand.’  When I asked why, he replied, ‘most of these guys are bums who can only talk about diet, training, and competition, and whenever we’re together, our conversations are about politics, religion, or history.’

49. Sounds like a Richard Baldwin fan!

RICHARD:  The guy must’ve been having a bad day, Rod, because I know many Bodybuilders who are sparkling conversationalists.

50. What did you do after leaving competition?

RICHARD:  Continued my education and began teaching on the college level.

51. Is teaching your ultimate calling?

RICHARD:  Yes, I’d always planned on being a professor.  I thought it would keep my mind in shape, while I continued to train throughout life to keep the body in shape. Teaching is the first job I’ve ever had that I truly love, so you could say I’ve found my calling.

52. Do you hang with anyone in the Sport? Like Arnie did with Franco?

RICHARD:  It’s sad, but I haven’t kept up with any guys from the old days.  Frank Zane and I had an e-mail exchange several years ago, and he sent greetings through a mutual friend a while back.  I’m attempting to write a book about Larry Scott and recently got an article I did on him accepted for publication. I’m actually coming back into Bodybuilding, this time strictly as a trainer and author attempting to help others achieve their physical potential.

53. You’ve found a measure of satisfaction in your life, a balance?

RICHARD:  Life is very satisfying, because of the mental stimulation of teaching and writing, and the friends I have who share mutual interests of either exercise or intellectual pursuits.  My health is good, my occupation to my liking, my mind is kept active from interaction with students and colleagues, and writing. Female companionship has not been lacking, either–without the chains of marriage!

54. I’d describe your personality as “mellow.” Yet, there’s something else there, too. An adventurer’s spirit, perhaps?

RICHARD:  You hit it.  I am a seeker, constantly re-evaluating his worldview to accommodate new information.  I’m also opinionated and do not suffer ignorance well.  Some are surprised by the wide spectrum of friends I have, from redneck labourers to lawyers, doctors, and colleagues in the college profession, from right-wing fundamentalists to left-wing atheists.  The one thing they all have in common is that they are thinkers.  They may not all be equally educated or well read, but they think.

55. Are you a spiritual man? Do you ever ponder your own mortality?

RICHARD:  Only last night, I sat on the beach in awe of the beauty of the sea and sky as I watched the sun go down here in Florida.  Earlier, I’d marvelled at the crabs, fish, birds, and people who were all part of the beach scene I was surveying.  Life is short, but I am alive and part of Nature’s wonders!  Whether there is any cosmic significance or not, that’s enough for me.  Enjoying loved ones and friends and the world of nature around us is the real key to living a good life, isn’t it?

56. I only wish we all took time to appreciate the beauties of this oftentimes-crazy existence.

RICHARD:  Oh, well, it’s our human failing.

57. When you want to have fun and let loose, what’s the deal?

RICHARD:  I work out!  Since I quit competing, working out is fun again.  And I like to walk on the beach with my girlfriend, roller blade, fly kites, read books, go to the movies, have philosophical discussions over lunch with colleagues, travel, visit museums, go to plays, etc.  I’m enjoying life like never before.

58. How do your students react, knowing they’re being taught by a title holding Bodybuilder?

RICHARD:  They can’t help but notice my size, so I’ll say it’s a positive.  The constant requests for training routines and diets did get to be a bit overwhelming. I had to adopt the policy that I am available for discussion of philosophy, religion, or history, but I am no longer in the gym business and don’t have time to write routines for everyone.  Now, I just refer them to LegendaryFiness.com.

59. The shattering events of 9/11 have changed everyone’s life–how has it changed Rich Baldwin’s?

RICHARD:  It caused me to re-evaluate my priorities.  I think about how I treat loved ones and even strangers.  I am also more determined to make every day count.  Americans should wake up to the realization that not everyone loves the freedoms we take for granted.  Many ignorant humans fear us and would like to destroy this experiment in political and religious freedom we call America.

60. How true.

RICHARD:  9/11 reminded us of the heroism Americans demonstrate in a crisis situation. Last summer, I was fortunate to meet some of those heroes, fire chiefs from New York City, on a cruise ship to Italy.  I was deeply impressed with their love of life and America.  With people like them still being produced by our country, there’s hope for the future!

61. Do Americans take their freedoms for granted?

RICHARD:  Without a doubt! To appreciate what we have here, travel to other countries.  We’ve progressed immensely in the last 30 years in personal freedoms and creature comforts.  I may be an optimist or just painfully naive, but I think there is less corruption in government and business and less trampling of our individual rights than ever before.  Let’s keep improving it!

62. Ever toy with the idea of moving into film and/or modelling? You’ve got the goods!

RICHARD:  After my appearance in Arnold’s Stay Hungry, I had an offer to do an adventure film, but I turned it down.  Filmmaking is very laborious and dull, and I like my privacy and am not very materialistic.  I’d also been offered a couple of modelling contracts but didn’t show for the meeting in the Beverly Hills Hotel, nor did I agree to travel to France for the job as an underwear model.  I just wanted to live a simple life of working out and reading books, which I have done.

63. Feel like some philosophy?

RICHARD:  One of my favourite subjects!

64. If you could live your Bodybuilding career over again, would you do anything differently?

RICHARD:  Not much.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  With a second chance, I might take advantage of the financial opportunities offered me.  I was not materialistic; all I wanted to do was have fun training.  But my Bodybuilding career was a wonderful time of meeting people from all walks of life.  I’m very grateful for it.

65. Amateurs have it tough. I assume it was the same in your day.

RICHARD:  It’s very difficult for Amateurs, if not impossible, in some instances.  I found myself on the cover of magazines and the subject of articles more often than others of equal accomplishment.

66. You had a very marketable look–a handsome young cat with muscles on his muscles, projecting a healthy attitude. It spoke of sun and fun, youth and innocence.

RICHARD: I remember after the prejudging at one contest in a class of about 15 other Bodybuilders, I asked a friend how I did.  He said, ‘Gee, either you won or came in last.’  ‘What do you mean?’ I anxiously inquired.  ‘Well,’ my friend explained, ‘you look so different than those other guys, it all depends on the judges.’  I was really attempting to be a sculpted work of art, whereas the other guys seemed to be in a war of bulges and veins!

67. Balance has never gone out of style, except, apparently, on the Pro level.

RICHARD:  You’ll only see an appreciation for the freaky in competitive Bodybuilding.

68. Amateurs receive very little significant publicity–practically non-existent. Any advice?

RICHARD:  A former editor of one of the top magazines told me the reasons why a particular Bodybuilder’s photos kept appearing.  First, he sent them into the magazines after going to major photographers and begging for photos shoots until they agreed, just to get rid of him.  Then, he made himself readily available any time they needed a model to illustrate an article, no matter what shape he was in.  So, as in many areas of life, persistence pays off.

69. Good advice. Make things happen, instead of whining.

RICHARD:  Bodybuilders should take tons of photos when they’re in shape so that the magazines have various shots to choose from.  Contact sheets are a good idea, too, along with any 8 x 10’s the Bodybuilder particularly likes.

70. The digital explosion has made this process a breeze.

RICHARD:  Now you can snap hundreds of photos and only print out the ones you want.  Even major motion pictures are going digital.  The main thing is to be available, without acting like a prima donna.

71. Is that what you did?

RICHARD:  I never had any thoughts of marketing myself.  Luckily, I stayed in reasonably good shape, so whenever a photo opportunity came up, it called for very little preparation.  The bottom line for me is this: I want to feel good.  And being in shape, not being fat and lethargic, that’s when I feel good.  It was the same during my competitive years.

72. You were there when it all exploded. What kind of impact did Pumping Iron–book and film–have on our Sport?

RICHARD:  Bodybuilding in the 70’s was an exciting time before drugs got out of hand, and for the most part, people were starting to think of it in a good light.  Pumping Iron and Arnold were a big part of the reason, maybe the major reason, for this attitude change.

73. Oh, yeah! And Arnie also redefined the entire action hero genre.

RICHARD:  Muscular builds are in.  The general public isn’t impressed with Bodybuilding’s human growth hormone behemoths.  They prefer a realistic physique, like Sly Stallone’s or the Rock’s.  Today, male movie stars train like Bodybuilders every time they take off their clothes.  Flab is out, and it started in the 70’s, thanks to Pumping Iron and Arnold.

74. I think enough time has passed, and now we can look at the 70’s as a blast…our last stab at letting it all hang out!

RICHARD:  The 70’s were a happy time, when we felt like immortals walking the earth.  It was an age of sexual liberation for females that males couldn’t have been happier about.  I think women today are even more willing, but with STDs in Florida, a guy is taking a big chance on sleeping around promiscuously.

75. Camaraderie in the iron community back then was something special, too.

RICHARD:  Camaraderie is a thing of the past, Rod.  Maybe we stuck together and supported one another because there was neither the money nor public acceptance that developed during the later 70’s and early 80’s.

76. No denying it–we’re living in a different world.

RICHARD: Many contemporary Bodybuilders are publicly crude, nasty, and vindictive.  In addition, as I mentioned, although I’m blown away by their physiques, I find no inspiration there.

77. Outside muscle circles, very few people know the names Ronnie Coleman, Dorian Yates, or even Shawn Ray. Will the sport ever gain acceptance and/or universal recognition, in your opinion?

RICHARD:  Sorry, but it won’t, because Bodybuilders today are sideshow freaks full of illegal drugs.  Ben Weider has been trying to get Bodybuilding accepted as an Olympic sport for 60 odd years, and I would bet every cent I have that it will never be.

78. Man!

RICHARD:  Surprising, huh?  Bodybuilders could easily be the leaders in healthy living.  The discipline it takes to build a competitive physique is beyond the pale of an average individual.  Bodybuilders should be billboards for good health.  I’m not sure it can be turned around overnight, but the increasing number of natural shows does give me hope.

79. Natural guys, alas, rarely snag lucrative contracts and endorsement deals.

RICHARD:  Don’t get me started!  Supplement and equipment companies should be ashamed for taking advantage of Bodybuilders!  They make billions every year, and the heroes of the sport can’t even make enough to survive on.

80. Where are today’s movers and shakers? Joe’s getting up there, and Arnold’s star has lost some of its shine.  Who could possibly walk in their shoes?

RICHARD:  No one on the current scene.  No one has the personality, drive, and charisma.  It’s like Grimek.  There has only been one Bodybuilding champion who took every title available and defeated every one that competed against him, and that guy was Grimek.

82. I’d assume you advocate the natural route for Bodybuilding, nowadays.

RICHARD:  Natural’s the only way to go if you’re after health and fitness. Competitively-speaking, it’s also gaining speed.

83. You’re based in Florida, where it’s summer 24/7! Do you prefer warmer climes?

RICHARD:  Yes, I work best in a warmer climate, and Florida State offered me a graduate assistantship to teach and study Classics, so I ended up in Tallahassee, Florida.  Just to remind myself that the hot, humid summers down here are worth it, I spend Christmas in St. Louis every year and only thaw around by spring!

84. A typical weekday for Dr. Richard Baldwin begins how?

RICHARD:  Teaching classes, advising students, answering e-mail, updating web sites, doing research or grading papers, eating lunch with colleagues, working out, watching a little TV or listening to music or reading, seeing my girlfriend, and sleeping.  I spend most weekends with Ryan, my 11-year-old stepson, whom I love like my own child–though I am no longer married to his mother.

85. Does the prospect of growing older worry you?

RICHARD:  Are you kidding?  Getting older has terrified me since the third grade!  I changed little physically from my late twenties until I turned 48.  Now, at 56, I am beginning to feel my age and no longer have the endurance, vitality, and ageless appearance I once took for granted.  I thought my last girlfriend, who was decades younger, was keeping me young at heart.  But my current girlfriend is only 10 years younger than me, and we have an intellectual and emotional life, as well as a great sexual life.  My focus has been to learn to accept change as I attempt to continue my spiritual journey of becoming a wiser, kinder person, rather than worrying so much about the physical.

86. Which isn’t easy, considering your Bodybuilding past.

RICHARD:  Much of my focus has been on the physical, so far.  I must say that I still intend to train with weights until they shove me in a coffin!  I guess, I’m still competing, but now it’s against old age!

87. Well, will ya look at that, eighty-seven questions, eighty-seven stupendous answers. And we could go on for another hour, I’m sure.

RICHARD:  We could!  This has been one of the most interesting interviews I’ve ever done!

Thanks, Rod.  Keep me posted!  (INTERVIEW CONDUCTED SUMMER 2003)

RICH BALDWIN’S COMPETITIVE RECORD

Mr. South Texas                                          –          1970
Mr. Southern States                                    –          1971
Mr. Texas                                                     –          1972
Mr. All-South                                              –           1973
Mr. Sunshine State                                     –            1975
Mr. Region IV                                             –            1975
Mr. Southeast USA                                     –            1975
Collegiate Mr. USA                                     –            1975
Greater Mr. Florida                                     –            1976
Mr. Northern Hemisphere                          –            1977
Mr. Florida                                                  –            1978
Greater Mr. Florida                                     –            1978
NPC Middleweight champion                    –            1979
IFBB Mr. Universe, runner-up                     –            1979
NPC National Middleweight Champion     –            1980
IFBB Mr. Universe, runner-up                      –           1980

COVERS

STRENGTH AND HEALTH            April 1974
MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT       July 1975
IRON MAN                                  January 1977
IRON MAN                                  January 1979
MUSCLE DIGEST                          June 1980
MUSCLE WORLD                         May 1981
STRENGTH AND HEALTH             July 1981
MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT        June 1983