If you watched baseball in the early to mid 1970s, you saw Vida Blue do some special things on the mound for the Oakland Athletics. Blue was an integral part of the dynasty that won 3 straight World Series from 1972-1974. Sadly, Blue passed away at the age of 73 last Saturday.
Read on to find out all about the life and legacy of An Athletics Legend:
Arguably the most iconic pitcher inOakland Athletics history, Blue was born in Louisiana in 1949, Blue was drafted by the Athletics in 1967 and quickly became a dominant force on the mound. Blue’s incredible talent and fierce competitive spirit would help lead the Athletics to multiple playoff appearances, including one World Series championship in 1972.
Blue’s heroics in the playoffs are the stuff of legend. In 1971, Blue won 24 games and the American League MVP award, but it was his performance in the postseason that really cemented his legacy. In the American League Championship Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Blue won both of his starts and gave up only one run in 18 innings pitched. His incredible performance earned him the series MVP award and helped lead the Athletics to their first World Series appearance in over a decade.
The following year, Blue continued his dominance in the postseason. In the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, Blue won two games and gave up only two runs in 17 innings pitched. Once again, his incredible performance earned him the series MVP award and helped lead the Athletics to another World Series appearance.
In the 1972 World Series, Blue faced off against the Cincinnati Reds and their powerhouse lineup. But Blue was up to the challenge, pitching two complete games and allowing only two runs in 18 innings pitched. His incredible performance helped lead the Athletics to their first World Series championship since 1930.
Blue’s heroics in the playoffs were a testament to his incredible talent and fierce competitive spirit. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations and deliver clutch performances was unmatched. Blue was a true superstar and one of the greatest pitchers of his era.
In conclusion, Vida Blue’s heroics in the playoffs are a testament to his incredible talent and fierce competitive spirit. His performances in the American League Championship Series and World Series helped lead the Athletics to multiple postseason appearances and one World Series championship. This is the stuff every kid dreams of when they want to play in the big leagues. Every kid wants to be at the heart of a championship team. Blue will forever be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in Oakland Athletics history, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.