Vida Blue, a dominating left-hander who helped the Oakland Athletics win three straight World Collection championships from 1972-74, died on Saturday. He was 73.
“There are few gamers with a extra adorned profession than Vida Blue,” the A’s stated in a press release. “He was a three-time champion, an MVP, a six-time All-Star, a Cy Younger Award winner, and an Oakland A’s Corridor of Famer. Vida will at all times be a franchise legend and a pal. We ship our deepest condolences to his household and pals throughout this arduous time.”
One of many dominant beginning pitchers of the Nineteen Seventies, Blue debuted at age 19 in 1969, the franchise’s second 12 months after shifting to Oakland. His profession began slowly, however quickly constructed into one of many key cogs for the group often known as the Swingin’ A’s for its expertise and swagger.
In September 1970, Blue confirmed what was to return. Two begins after throwing a one-hit shutout in opposition to the Royals in Kansas Metropolis, Blue tossed a no-hitter againt the Minnesota Twins, placing out 9 and permitting just one batter to succeed in base on a fourth-inning stroll. At 21 years and 55 days previous, Blue stays the youngest participant because the begin of the Dwell Ball Period in 1920 to throw a no-hitter.
Blue received the 1971 AL Cy Younger and MVP Awards after going 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA and 301 strikeouts over 312 innings. He went on to make six All-Star groups throughout a 17-year profession that noticed him spend time with the Giants and Royals along with the A’s.
No data on survivors or memorial plans was instantly accessible.
