Former All-Star pitcher Vida Blue, who earned six All-Star selections and won three World Series champions, has passed away at the age of 73.
Blue, a Louisiana native, was a two-sport star in high school playing quarterback and starring on the diamond. After receiving multiple scholarship offers to play college football, the left-handed pitcher signed a contract with the Oakland Athletics.
Related: MLB power rankings
- Vida Blue stats (career): 209 wins, 3.27 ERA, 143 complete games, 37 shutouts, 2,175 strikeouts across 3,343.1 innings
The 6-foot southpaw’s iconic career began in 1969, when he made his MLB debut against the California Angels on July 20. In his first appearance, he allowed three earned runs and six hits across 5.1 innings. After struggling in his first season, posting a 6.64 ERA, he became one of the best left-handed pitchers of his era.
Blue earned his first All-Star selection in 1971. He won AL MVP and AL Cy Young, posting a league-best 1.82 ERA with 24 complete games, eight shutouts and 301 strikeouts across 312 innings. The following season, he played an instrumental role in the Athletics winning the 1972 World Series.
Dave Stewart, one of Blue’s long-time friends, announced the passing of the Bay Area legend on Sunday morning.
“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 Stewart on the passing of Vida Blue
From 1970-’77 with the Athletics, Blue compiled a 2.887 ERA with 105 complete games, 28 shutouts and 1,291 strikeouts across 1,903.2 innings. On Sep. 21, 1970, the hard-throwing southpaw threw the first no-hitter in his major-league career.
Related: MLB games today
Blue was also part of a combined no-hitter on Sep. 28, 1975, with the Athletics. He earned his second All-Star selection that season, cementing himself as one of the best pitchers in Athletics’ history.
A member of both the Athletics Hall of Fame and San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame, Blue retired following the 1986 season. During his time away from baseball, Blue dedicated his time to volunteer work and promoting baseball within the region. He most recently served as an analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area.
MLB world mourns the loss of Vida Blue
Following news of his passing, the MLB community paid its respects to Blue’s legacy as many shared the impact he had on the game and their love for baseball.