Former MLB Star Vida Blue Passes

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

Legendary in his own way former Major leaguer Vida Blue recently died on Northern California.

Vida passed away in Tracy, Calif in San Francisco’s East Bay area. His health had been declining just before his death, as at the A’s 50th-anniversary celebration for their 1973 World Series win on April 16, Blue was using a walking stick for assistance. He reportedly passed away due to complications with cancer, although the stage and type of cancer has yet to be revealed.

In a statement released by the Oakland Athletics; “There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue,” it said. “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.”

In his senior year at Desoto high in Louisiana he threw for 3,400 yards and completed 35 touchdown passes while rushing for 1,600 yards. In his senior year of baseball, Blue threw a nohitter with 21strikouts in just seven innings pitched.

Blue in the second round of the 1967 MLB draft even though he was recruited to play college football for the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, and the University of Houston, Blue chose to sign with the Athletics for $12,500 per year to help support his family after his father’s death.[10]