Vida Blue, legendary Oakland A's pitcher in the '70s, dies at 73

[Eugene]

Source: Washington Post

Vida Blue, legendary Oakland A’s pitcher in the ’70s, dies at 73

By Cindy Boren
May 7, 2023 at 1:01 p.m. EDT

Vida Blue, the legendary left-handed pitcher who was a key member of the Oakland A’s dynasty of the early 1970s, died Saturday night at the age of 73.

The A’s on Sunday confirmed his death but did not reveal any further details.

“There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue,” the A’s said in a statement. “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.”

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[usonian]

1. How sad. A Blue Sunday.

Besides his fabulous career, I got to enjoy his great personality when he shared a talk show. I think it was with Bill Lasky.

Could be wrong. My memory is not so great, because I'm older than Vida, and he deserved many more years.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Bummer!

I was a big fan of his.
Back when I was a kid, I was a Cubs fan. Although I wasn't one of those that felt they had to hate the Sox, I couldn't bring myself to have them my favorite American League team.
So as a kid, I was attracted to the flamboyant uniform of the KC A's. When they moved to Oakland, they were still my favorite AL team.
Vida, Blue Moon, Reggie, Geno, Campy, Catfish... What a cast of characters!
Vida was throwing mid 90s back in the day. Probably only Ryan & Seaver threw faster. Then, that nasty curve when hitters thought they had the timing down.
Shame he passed kind of young.

[Mr.Bill]

3. As a former Bay Area resident,

a lot of my good memories of that A's team in the early 70s revolve around him. Pretty good local sportscaster in his later years, too. He will be missed.