Former major league pitcher Vida Blue has died. He was 73 years old.
The 1971 winner of both the AL MVP and Cy Young awards, Blue’s playing career spanned three decades with the Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals and two stints with the San Francisco Giants.
Following his award-winning 1971 season, Blue clashed with A’s owner Charlie Finley over his salary and played sparingly in 1972 as the A’s marched to the first of three straight World Series titles.
The left-hander played an integral role in the 1973 and 1974 titles. But Blue’s tumultuous relationship with Finley proved prophetic as the owner broke up the A’s championship core instead of paying the stars in free agency.
Most recently, Blue had been an analyst on Giants broadcasts.
A’s great Dave Stewart tweeted out his condolences, calling Blue “my mentor, hero, and friend.”
Vida Blue rest in peace, my mentor, hero, and friend. I remember watching a 19 year old phenom dominate baseball, and at the same time alter my life. There are no words for what you have meant to me and so many others. My heart goes out to the Blue family🙏🏿🙏🏿
— Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) May 7, 2023
The Athletics, Giants and Royals also tweeted out tributes to Blue.
Rest in peace, Vida 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/MXHRuRFfjH
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics) May 7, 2023
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
We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Vida Blue. We send our deepest condolences to Vida’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/hzi8V3SSnF
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 7, 2023
A Louisiana native, Blue threw a no-hitter in 1970 and was part of a combined no-hitter in 1975. He appeared in six All-Star Games and was the first pitcher to start All-Star Games for each league: the AL in 1971 and the NL in 1978 while a member of the Giants.
Source: www.espn.com