A’s, Giants mourn the loss of Vida Blue
May 8, 2023, 7:37 AM
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Bay Area baseball is coming together to mourn the loss of former pitcher Vida Blue, who passed away on Saturday at 73.
Blue pitched for Oakland and San Francisco during a career that spanned over 17 seasons, playing nine seasons with the Athletics (1969-77) and six with the Giants (1978-81, 1985-86).
The left-hander was an integral part of an A’s run that brought three-straight World Series championships to Oakland during the 1972-74 seasons.
Rest in peace, Vida 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/MXHRuRFfjH
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 7, 2023
“There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue,” the A’s said in a statement released Sunday morning.
“He was a three-time champion, an MVP, a six-time All-Star, a Cy Young Award winner, and an Oakland A’s Hall of Famer. Vida will always be a franchise legend and a friend. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this arduous time.”
Over nine seasons with the A’s, Blue posted a win-loss record of 124-86 to go along with an ERA of 2.95, 1,315 strikeouts, and 28 complete-game shutouts over 273 appearances.
As a 21-year-old in 1971, Blue won the American League Most Valuable Player award after leading the league with a 1.85 ERA with a 24-8 record and 301 strikeouts.
Blue was named to the American League All-Star team three times (1971, 1975, 1977) before the lefty was traded across the Bay to San Francisco in 1978.
The Giants benefitted from having Blue in the fold during his time with the organization as the Mansfield, Louisiana native posted an 18-10 record and 2.79 ERA while securing his first National League All-Star appearance during the 1978 season.
Over 179 appearances with San Francisco, Blue went 72-58 with a 3.52 ERA while striking out 704 batters.
“The #SFGiants are saddened to learn of the passing of six-time All-Star and longtime Bay Area pitcher Vida Blue,” the Giants shared on social media on Sunday. “Our deepest condolences go to the Blue family, his friends and all those whose lives he touched.”
The #SFGiants are saddened to learn of the passing of six-time All-Star and longtime Bay Area pitcher Vida Blue. Our deepest condolences go to the Blue family, his friends and all those whose lives he touched. pic.twitter.com/gI7k1N68Mv
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 7, 2023
Blue made three All-Star teams with the Giants before spending the 1983-85 seasons with the Kansas City Royals. The left-hander returned to finish his career in San Francisco during the 1985-86 seasons.
Both Bay Area ball clubs will continue to mourn the loss of Blue, whose impact on baseball in Oakland and San Francisco will always be remembered.
