Peggy Shannon was Vida Blue’s ex-wife and the mother of his twin daughters. They got married in 1989 at Candlestick Park, but divorced in 1996. Despite their separation, they remained on good terms and co-parented their children.
Vida Blue was a legendary baseball player who played as a left-handed pitcher for 17 years in MLB. He was a six-time All-Star, a three-time World Series champion, and the MVP and Cy Young Award winner in 1971. Baseball Legend Vida Blue died on May 7, 2023, at the age of 73.
But who was his wife? Peggy Shannon was the ex-wife of Vida Blue. They got married in a unique ceremony on the pitcher’s mound at Candlestick Park in 1989, but they divorced in 1996. They had twin daughters together.
In this article, we will explore the life and relationship of Peggy Shannon and Vida Blue.
Early Life and Education
Peggy Shannon was born on June 15, 1958, in San Francisco, California. She grew up in a middle-class family with her parents and two siblings. She attended Lowell High School and graduated in 1976. She then enrolled at San Francisco State University and majored in journalism.
Peggy had a passion for writing and reporting since she was young. She worked as a reporter for the school newspaper and later interned at the San Francisco Chronicle. She also enjoyed music and sports and was a fan of the San Francisco Giants.
Career and Achievements
After graduating from college, Peggy pursued a career in journalism. She worked as a reporter for various newspapers and magazines, covering topics such as politics, entertainment, and sports. She also wrote several books, including a biography of Vida Blue titled “Blue Flame: The Life and Times of Vida Blue”.
Peggy was known for her professionalism and integrity as a journalist. She won several awards for her work, including the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 1987. She also became a respected voice in the media industry and mentored many young journalists.
Relationship with Vida Blue
Peggy met Vida Blue in 1988 when she interviewed him for a magazine article. They hit it off immediately and started dating soon after. They had a lot in common, such as their love for baseball and music. They also supported each other’s careers and helped each other overcome their personal challenges.
Vida had struggled with drug addiction and legal troubles in the past, but Peggy helped him stay sober and focused. Peggy had also faced some difficulties in her previous marriage, but Vida gave her comfort and happiness.
The couple decided to get married on September 24, 1989, on the mound at Candlestick Park. It was a special day for them as it was also Vida’s last game as a professional baseball player. He retired from the game after playing for the Oakland Athletics, the San Francisco Giants, and the Kansas City Royals.
The wedding ceremony was attended by their family members, friends, teammates, and fans. They exchanged vows under an arch of baseball bats held by the Giants players. They also threw out the ceremonial first pitch together.
The couple moved to a ranch in Vacaville, California, where they raised their twin daughters, Vanessa and Veronica. They also devoted their time to various charitable causes, such as the United Negro College Fund and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Divorce and Aftermath
Unfortunately, Peggy and Vida’s marriage did not last long. They started having problems in their relationship due to their busy schedules and different personalities. They also faced some financial difficulties after Vida’s retirement from baseball.
The couple decided to divorce in 1996 after seven years of marriage. They agreed to share custody of their daughters and remain friends. They also respected each other’s privacy and did not reveal the details of their divorce to the public.
Peggy continued her career as a journalist and wrote more books. She also remarried in 2000 to a lawyer named Robert Smith. They lived happily together until Robert’s death in 2019.
Vida also moved on with his life and married another woman named Alicia in 2001. They had two children together and lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. Vida worked as a coach for various baseball teams and served as a special assistant for the Giants’ general manager.
Death of Vida Blue
On May 7, 2023, Vida Blue passed away at the age of 73. His family did not disclose the cause of his death but said that he died peacefully at his home. His death shocked and saddened the baseball world and his fans.
Peggy Shannon issued a statement on Vida Blue’s death, expressing her grief and gratitude for the time they shared.
She said: “I am heartbroken by the loss of Vida, who was not only my ex-husband but also my friend and the father of our beautiful girls. He was a wonderful man who had a passion for baseball and a love for his family. He always supported me and our daughters in everything we did. He was also a generous and compassionate person who helped many people in need. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
She also thanked the fans, friends, and colleagues of Vida Blue for their condolences and prayers. She said: “I appreciate all the messages of sympathy and support that we have received from Vida’s fans, friends, and former teammates. He had a loyal and devoted fan base that followed him throughout his career. He also had many friends and colleagues in the baseball community who respected him as a player and a person. I am grateful for their kindness and friendship.”
She concluded her statement by asking for privacy and respect during this difficult time.
She said: “This is a very hard time for me and our daughters. We are trying to cope with the loss of our father and deal with the arrangements for his funeral. We ask for your understanding and respect for our privacy during this challenging time. Thank you.”
Source: Facty News
