Vida Blue, MLB star, dies at 73.

Oakland Athletics Mourns the Loss of Star Pitcher Vida Blue

The baseball world is in mourning as the Oakland Athletics announced the passing of their star pitcher, Vida Blue, at the age of 73. Blue died on Saturday due to unknown causes, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Blue was a key player in the A’s three consecutive World Series titles in the 1970s, and last month the stadium hosted him for the last time to commemorate the win. His record was 209-161 with 2,175 strikeouts, 143 complete games, and 37 shutouts over 17 seasons with Oakland. The pitcher also played for the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals.

A Bay Area Baseball Icon

“Vida Blue has been a Bay Area baseball icon for over 50 years,” Giants President Larry Baer said in a statement. “His impact on the Bay Area transcends his 17 years on the diamond with the influence he’s had on our community.”

Blue won the American League Cy Young Award and was voted Most Valuable Player in 1971. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, and teammate who will forever be cherished, honored, and loved.

“It is with great sadness that the Blue family mourn the passing of our beloved father Blue. We appreciate your uplifting prayers as we deal with the overwhelming loss of our father. We ask for respect and privacy at this time,” the team wrote on Twitter Sunday.

A Troubled Past

Blue was also notoriously part of the several MLB players that were hauled before a Pittsburgh grand jury for buying cocaine. Others convicted included Dale Berra and Dave Parker, and other stars like Jeff Leonard, Tim Raines, and Lonnie Smith.

Eleven players were allowed to stay in baseball if they donated a portion of their salary to anti-drug programs. Blue received a sentence of one year in prison, but U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Milton Sullivant eventually shortened it to three months and a $5,000 fine.

Vida Blue’s legacy will live on in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. Rest in peace, Vida Blue.