Former MLB pitcher Vida Blue has died.
The Oakland A’s announced on Sunday that Blue, who pitched for three different franchises across 18 seasons, has died. The team issued a statement listing off some of the noteworthy accomplishments Blue had while pitching in Oakland from 1969-1977.
A statement from the Oakland A's on the passing of Vida Blue. pic.twitter.com/fAMIU7MHCO
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 7, 2023
No cause of death was given.
Blue helped the A’s win three World Series titles in the 1970s. He was named an All-Star six times. He was named American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner in 1971 when he went 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA. Blue had eight shutouts and struck out 301 batters that season. He threw a no-hitter in 1970.
The A’s traded Blue to the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 1978 season. He went 18–10 with a 2.79 ERA in his first season in San Francisco and was named the starter for the NL All-Star team.
Blue was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1982. He played one-plus season there before he and three former teammates pled guilty to drug-related charges.
Blue eventually returned to the Giants as a free agent in 1985. He most recently worked as a Giants analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area.
