This week, the world of Major League Baseball lost an absolute legend in the sport as former Oakland Athletics pitcher Vida Blue has died at the age of 73 years old.
The Oakland A’s announced the tragic death of the six-time All-Star and former MVP and six-time All-Star with a statement on social media on Sunday morning.
“There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue. 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,” the Athletics said in a statement.
Vida Blue had a long and successful Major League Baseball career, pitching his first big-league game in 1969 and ultimately retiring following the 1986 season. During his time in the league, he helped lead the Athletics to three consecutive World Series victories in 1972, 1973, and 1974. He was also a six-time All-Star and won the American League MVP and the Cy Young award during the 1971 season.
He clearly meant a lot to the sport, and the Major League Baseball world mourned his passing on social media.
One of the games all-time greats
https://t.co/c26FzBToDs — Jen Mueller (@JenTalksSports) May 7, 2023
One of my favorite pitchers growing up. And he was on NBC Sports Calfornia’s coverage of the A’s as well. https://t.co/oG3r241v6c
— Ken Fang — Very Asian (@fangsbites) May 7, 2023
Rest In Peace to all time Oakland A’s legend Vida Blue.
Vida was a 3 time World Series Champ, 6 x All Star, Cy Young award winner, and MVP. pic.twitter.com/qippUY9VnL
— Amazin’ A’s Craze (@AmazinAsCraze) May 7, 2023
Players in MLB history to have all of the following in their career:
– MVP
– Cy Young Award
– 3+ WS Titles
– 200+ WinsVida Blue. That’s it.
RIP
pic.twitter.com/qjaZlGg4eP — Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) May 7, 2023
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
In 1971, 22-year-old southpaw Vida Blue became only the 5th pitcher to capture both the Cy Young Award and the MVP in the same season.
Vida was the youngest player ever to win either award, let alone both at the same time.
RIP
pic.twitter.com/DBPusKuHg1 — Amazin’ A’s Craze (@AmazinAsCraze) May 7, 2023
Vida Blue passed away this weekend at the age of 73.
1971 AL MVP
1971 AL Cy Young
1971 ERA Title (1.82 ERA)
6X All-Star
3X World Series Champ
209 Wins
3.27 ERA
2,175 Strikeouts
143 Complete Games
37 ShutoutsRIP pic.twitter.com/pN5YF2K3qX
— Jim Miloch (@podoffame) May 7, 2023
He was an absolute legend in the sport and it’s safe to say he will be greatly missed.
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