Exploring the career and legacy of late baseball icon Vida Blue

Vida Blue, the pitching phenom who was a crucial part of the Oakland A’s dynasty during their three consecutive World Series titles in the early ’70s, passed away at age 73 on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. The legendary left-handed pitcher’s fearsome fastball made him a key member of the dominant Oakland Athletics team that won the World Series for three years running between 1972 and 1974. Blue’s on-field prowess during his peak years helped the Athletics to five straight American League Western Division pennants from 1971 to 1975.

Blue had a decorated career, winning several accolades such as the Cy Young Award, American League Most Valuable Player Award, and six-time All-Star honors. In 1971 he had a 24-8 record, an AL leading 1.82 ERA and 8 shutouts, striking out 301 batters, winning both the Cy Young and MVP awards. That same year, he ended up on the covers of both Sports Illustrated and Time magazine. Despite his accomplishments, Blue has never been elected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, likely due to his involvement in the early ’80s drug scandal.

Blue provided much excitement to baseball fans with his athletic talents and was commonly regarded as a Bay Area baseball icon for over 50 years. He was a hero not only on the field, but also off the field, where he demonstrated his vast knowledge of the sport through his role as a Giants baseball commentator for NBC Bay Area Sports. Blue continued to reside in San Francisco, where he remained a significant influence on the community, not just for his influence in baseball, but also for the positive impact he had on people’s lives.

Blue was known for his contentious relationship with the Oakland A’s owner, Charlie Finley, which led to a contract dispute following Blue’s breakout season, in which he missed much of the season and pitched mainly in relief. Kuhn, the baseball Commissioner, vetoed two attempted trades of Blue, both to the New York Yankees and then to the Cincinnati Reds, under his authority to act in the “best interests of baseball.” Despite this tension, Blue made a return to form in the years that followed, culminating in a 20-9 win-loss record in 1973, 17-15 in 1974, and 22-11 in 1975.

The passing of Vida Blue reminds fans of the beauty of baseball and the contributions made by its legends. His career and legacy will not only be remembered by fans of the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants but by the broader baseball community. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to the sport should serve as an inspiration to future generations of baseball players.

Rest in peace, Vida Blue.