Vida Blue, one of the most dominant and charismatic pitchers in baseball history, passed away on Saturday at the age of 73. The cause of death was not disclosed by his former team, the Oakland Athletics, who announced the news on Sunday.
Blue was a six-time All-Star, a three-time World Series champion, and the only pitcher to win both the Cy Young Award and the Most Valuable Player Award in the same season in the American League. He spent 17 years in the majors, mostly with the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants, and amassed 209 wins, 2,175 strikeouts, and a 3.27 ERA.
A Phenomenal Debut
Blue made his major league debut in 1969 as a 19-year-old with the A’s, but he burst onto the scene in 1970 when he threw a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins in his second start of the season. He followed that up with a one-hitter against the Kansas City Royals in his next start, and finished the year with an 8-3 record and a 2.28 ERA.
But that was just a preview of what was to come in 1971, when Blue had one of the greatest seasons ever by a pitcher. He went 24-8 with a league-leading 1.82 ERA and 301 strikeouts, becoming the youngest player to win both the Cy Young and the MVP awards. He also led the league in shutouts (8), complete games (24), and innings pitched (312).
Blue was so dominant that he received more than half of the first-place votes for the MVP award, beating out sluggers like Harmon Killebrew, Frank Robinson, and Reggie Jackson. He also became a national sensation, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated three times and drawing huge crowds wherever he pitched.
A Dynasty with the A’s
Blue was the ace of the A’s dynasty that won three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974, the first team to do so since the New York Yankees in 1950-52. He won 20 games in both 1973 and 1975, and was named an All-Star four times in five years.
Blue was part of a colorful and talented team that featured stars like Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers, Sal Bando, Joe Rudi, and Bert Campaneris. The team was also known for its flamboyant owner, Charlie Finley, who gave his players nicknames, uniforms with bright colors and white shoes, and incentives for growing mustaches.
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Blue had a rocky relationship with Finley, who tried to trade him twice only to be blocked by commissioner Bowie Kuhn, who invoked his power to act in the “best interests of baseball”. Kuhn argued that Finley was trying to sell off his star players for cash rather than making fair deals that would maintain competitive balance.
Blue eventually left the A’s after the 1977 season as a free agent and signed with their cross-bay rivals, the Giants.
A Comeback with the Giants
Blue spent four seasons with the Giants from 1978 to 1981, and made two more All-Star appearances. He led the league in wins (18) and complete games (16) in 1978, and posted a career-best 2.79 ERA in 1980.
Blue also became a fan favorite in San Francisco, where he was embraced by the community for his charitable work and his involvement in local causes. He helped raise money for sickle cell anemia research, supported youth sports programs, and participated in anti-drug campaigns.
Blue’s career took a downturn in the early 1980s, when he struggled with injuries and substance abuse problems. He was arrested for cocaine possession in 1983 and served three months in prison. He missed two seasons due to suspensions and legal issues before returning to the Giants for one final year in 1986.
He retired after that season with 209 wins, ranking him fourth among left-handers at that time behind Steve Carlton, Warren Spahn, and Tommy John.
A Legacy of Excellence
Blue was widely regarded as one of the best pitchers of his era and one of the most influential players in baseball history. He was known for his blazing fastball, his sharp curveball, and his competitive spirit.
He was also admired for his charisma, his generosity, and his honesty. He spoke openly about his struggles with addiction and his efforts to overcome them.
Source: Facty News
