The Oakland Athletics announced on Sunday that former American League Most Valuable Player and three-time World Series champion Vida Blue passed away on Saturday at the age of 73.
The then-Kansas City Athletics selected Blue in the second round of the 1967 draft. Two years later, at the age of 19, he made his début in the Major Leagues in 1969, his team’s second year in Oakland.
“It is with great sadness that the Blue family mourns the passing of our beloved father Vida Blue,” the Blue family said in a statement released by the Athletics. “Vida was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, friend, and teammate who will be cherished, honored, and loved eternally. We are grateful for your uplifting prayers as we grieve the loss of our father. We request privacy and respect during this difficult time.”
Blue pitched 17 seasons for the Athletics, the San Francisco Giants, and the Kansas City Royals during his tenure. His final record was 209-161 with a 3.27 ERA and 2,175 strikeouts.
“Very few athletes have had a more decorated career than Vida Blue.” The Athletics said in a statement, “He was a three-time champion, an MVP, a six-time All-Star, a Cy Young Award recipient, and a member of the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame.
“Vida will forever be a franchise icon and a close friend. During this difficult time, we extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
In 1971, the hard-throwing left-handed pitcher became the youngest AL/NL Most Valuable Player after posting a 24-8 record with a 1.82 ERA, 301 strikeouts, and 24 complete games. Blue was the fifth player to ever win both accolades in the same season.
In his nine seasons with the Athletics, from 1972 to 1974, Blue helped the team achieve three consecutive World Series titles, a feat only the New York Yankees (1998-2000) have since accomplished.
Blue’s MLB tenure was derailed by drug problems. According to MLB.com, Blue was suspended from baseball and served a brief prison sentence for attempting to purchase cocaine. MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspended him for the entire 1984 season; he was reinstated in 1985.
He would pitch for the Giants for two more seasons before retiring in 1987. Blue is a member of the A’s Hall of Fame, the Giants Wall of Fame, and the Bay Area Hall of Fame.
“Vida Blue has been a baseball icon in the Bay Area for over 50 years,” said Giants president and CEO Larry Baer in a statement. The influence he has had on our community transcends his 17 years as a professional baseball player. He was such an integral part of our Junior Giants program for so many years. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and associates during this difficult time.”
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