View source for Vida Blue

{{short description|American baseball player (1949–2023)}}
{{for|the jam band|Vida Blue (band)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Vida Blue
|image=Vida Blue - Oakland Athletics.jpg
|caption=Blue with the Athletics
|position=[[Pitcher]]
|bats=Switch
|throws=Left
|birth_date= {{Birth date|1949|7|28}}
|birth_place=[[Mansfield, Louisiana]], U.S.
|death_date= {{Death date and age|2023|5|6|1949|7|28}}
|death_place=[[Tracy, California]], U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=July 20
|debutyear=1969
|debutteam=Oakland Athletics
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=October 2
|finalyear=1986
|finalteam=San Francisco Giants
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1value=209–161
|stat2label=[[Earned run average]]
|stat2value=3.27
|stat3label=[[Strikeout]]s
|stat3value=2,175
|teams=
* [[Oakland Athletics]] ({{mlby|1969}}–{{mlby|1977}})
* [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|1978}}–{{mlby|1981}})
* [[Kansas City Royals]] ({{mlby|1982}}–{{mlby|1983}})
* [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|1985}}–{{mlby|1986}})
|highlights=
* 6× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1971 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1971]], [[1975 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1975]], [[1977 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1977]], [[1978 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1978]], [[1980 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1980]], [[1981 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1981]])
* 3× [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|1972}}–{{wsy|1974}})
* [[AL MVP]] (1971)
* [[AL Cy Young Award]] (1971)
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders|AL ERA leader]] (1971)
* Pitched a [[no-hitter]] on September 21, 1970
* Pitched a combined no-hitter on September 28, 1975
* [[Athletics Hall of Fame]]
* [[San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame]]
}}

'''Vida Rochelle Blue Jr.''' ({{IPAc-en|v|aɪ|d|ɑː}};<ref name = Green>{{cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/07/obituaries/vida-blue-dead.html|title = Vida Blue, 73, Who Became Hottest Player in Baseball as a Rookie With the A's|page = B7|date = May 8, 2023|accessdate = May 8, 2023|last = Green|first = Alex|newspaper = [[The New York Times]]|url-access = limited}}</ref> July 28, 1949 – May 6, 2023) was an American professional [[baseball]] player.<ref name="Vida Blue at Baseball Reference">{{cite web |title=Vida Blue |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bluevi01.shtml |access-date=November 19, 2019 |publisher=Baseball Reference}}</ref> He was a left-handed [[pitcher]] in [[Major League Baseball]] from 1969 to 1986, most notably as an integral member of the [[Oakland Athletics]] dynasty that won three consecutive [[World Series]] championships from 1972 to 1974.<ref name="Vida Blue at Baseball Reference" /> He won the [[American League]] (AL) [[Cy Young Award]] and [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]] in 1971.<ref>{{cite web |title=1971 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1971.shtml |access-date=November 19, 2019 |website=Baseball-reference.com}}</ref>

A six-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], Blue was the first of only five pitchers in major league history to start the All-Star Game for both the American League (1971) and the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] (1978). During his 17-year career, he pitched for the [[Oakland Athletics]] (1969–1977), [[San Francisco Giants]] (1978–1981; 1985–86), and [[Kansas City Royals]] (1982–83).<ref name="Vida Blue at Baseball Reference" />

==Early life==
Vida Blue was born and raised in [[Mansfield, Louisiana|Mansfield]] in [[DeSoto Parish, Louisiana]]. He was the oldest of six children born to Vida Blue, Sr, a laborer in a Mansfield [[iron foundry]] and his wife Sallie.<ref name = Green/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hanigan |first1=Thomas |title=Vida Blue, flamethrowing ace of A's dynasty, dies at 73 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/vida-blue-dies-at-73 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=May 7, 2023}}</ref>

Blue attended DeSoto High School in Mansfield. He pitched for the baseball team and [[quarterback]]ed the football team. In his senior year of football, 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 [[no-hitter]] with 21 [[strikeout]]s in just seven innings pitched.<ref>''Charlie Finley: The Outrageous Story of Baseball's Super Showman'', p.84, G. Michael Green and [[Roger D. Launius]]. Walker Publishing Company, New York, 2010, {{ISBN|978-0-8027-1745-0}}</ref>

==Baseball career==
Blue was a power pitcher who worked fast and [[Glossary of baseball terms#attack the strike zone|attacked the strike zone]]. He threw an occasional [[curveball]] to keep hitters off balance and an above average [[Changeup|change-up]], but his signature pitch was a [[fastball]] which he threw consistently at {{convert|94|mph}},<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 23, 1971 |title=A Bolt of Blue Lightning |work=[[TIME Magazine]] |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,877278-2,00.html |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025213953/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,877278-2,00.html |archive-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> but could reach {{convert|100|mph}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 24, 2018 |title=Cy Young winner Blue was Bay Area workhorse |work=[[MLB.com]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/vida-blue-was-workhorse-with-a-s-and-giants-c267107308 |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> In ''[[The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers]]'', all-time hits leader [[Pete Rose]] stated that Blue "threw as hard as anyone" he ever faced,<ref>''The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers'', 2004, {{ISBN|0-7432-6158-5}}.</ref> and baseball historian [[Bill James]] cited Blue as the hardest-throwing lefty, and the second-hardest thrower of his era, behind only [[Nolan Ryan]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Bill James |author-link=Bill James |date=June 15, 2004 |title=The Mighty Fastball |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1822135&type=story |access-date=August 11, 2008 |website=espn.com}}</ref>

===Oakland Athletics (1969–1977)===
[[File:OAK1970R35BLUE.png|thumb|right|200px|1970 Oakland Athletics jersey]]
The then-[[Kansas City Athletics]] selected Blue in the second round of the [[1967 MLB draft]].<ref name=sabr>{{cite web|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/vida-blue/|title=Vida Blue |first=Rich |last=Puerzer|publisher=Society for American Baseball Research|accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref><ref name=workhorse>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/vida-blue-was-workhorse-with-a-s-and-giants-c267107308|title=Cy Young winner Blue was Bay Area workhorse|website=MLB.com}}</ref> 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.<ref name=sabr/>

Blue began the 1969 season with the [[Birmingham A's]], but was promoted to make his major league debut on July 20.<ref name=sabr/> In {{Baseball year|1970}}, after spending the season in the [[Minor League Baseball|minor leagues]] with the [[Midwest League]] single A [[Burlington Bees]] and the [[Iowa Cubs|Iowa Oaks]] of the [[American Association (20th century)|American Association]], Blue was called up in September, making two starts. On September 11, he [[Shutouts in baseball|shut out]] the [[Kansas City Royals]] 3–0, giving up only one hit, to [[Pat Kelly (outfielder)|Pat Kelly]] in the eighth inning. Ten days later, Blue [[No-hitter|no-hit]] the defending and eventual repeat [[American League West]] champion [[Minnesota Twins]], 6–0, at [[Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum]], the lone baserunner coming on [[Harmon Killebrew]]'s fourth-inning walk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-21-1970-vida-blue-no-hits-twins-drinks-their-champagne/|title=September 21, 1970: A's rookie Vida Blue no-hits Twins, drinks their champagne – Society for American Baseball Research}}</ref> He was the fourth-youngest pitcher to throw a no-hitter.<ref name=battlescars>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/08/17/vida-blue-cocaine-hall-fame/ |title=Vida Blue, cocaine and a Hall of Fame career lost to baseball's drug scandal |newspaper=The Washington Post |date= |accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref>

Blue had a 24–8 record in [[1971 Oakland Athletics season|1971]], an AL leading 1.82 ERA and eight shutouts, and struck out 301 batters, winning both the [[Cy Young Award]] and [[MLB Most Valuable Player award|American League Most Valuable Player Award]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MLB Most Valuable Player MVP Awards & Cy Young Awards Winners |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mvp_cya.shtml |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1971.shtml#ALmvp 1971 Most Valuable Player award voting results], Baseball-reference.com</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1971 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1971.shtml |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=Baseball-reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MLB News, Scores, Videos, Standings and Schedule {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb |access-date=August 29, 2019 |website=Sportingnews.com |language=en}}</ref> He also led the [[American League]] in [[complete game]]s (24), [[shutouts in baseball|shutout]]s (8), and [[earned run average]] (1.82).<ref>A Review of the Events of 1971, ''The 1972 World Book Year Book'', p.246, Joseph P. Spohn</ref> That season, the Athletics won the [[American League West]] title for the franchise's first postseason berth since the Philadelphia Athletics in the [[1931 World Series]]. He got off to a terrific start, going 10–1 when he linked up with [[Boston Red Sox|Boston]]'s [[Sonny Siebert]], who was 8–0, in a dramatic May matchup in Boston. The game was won by Siebert and the Red Sox 4–3, and remains what is considered one of the most dramatic games in [[Fenway Park]] history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/may-28-1971-sonny-siebert-outduels-vida-blue/|title=May 28, 1971: Sonny Siebert outduels Vida Blue – Society for American Baseball Research}}</ref> He was the youngest American League player to win the MVP Award in the 20th century.<ref>''Great Baseball Feats, Facts and Figures'', 2008 Edition, p. 152, David Nemec and Scott Flatow, a Signet Book, Penguin Group, New York, {{ISBN|978-0-451-22363-0}}.</ref> He was the starting pitcher for the [[American League]] in the 1971 [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]]. In 1971 he became the only player ever to be a starting pitcher in the league opener (against the [[Washington Senators (1961–71)|Washington Senators]]), the All-Star Game, and the playoff opener (against the [[Baltimore Orioles]]) in the same season. In 1971, Blue was on the covers of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' and [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]].<ref>''Charlie Finley: The Outrageous Story of Baseball's Super Showman'', p.148, G. Michael Green and Roger D. Launius. Walker Publishing Company, New York, 2010, {{ISBN|978-0-8027-1745-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19710823,00.html|title=TIME Magazine Cover: Vida Blue – Aug. 23, 1971|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> In 1972, his success in baseball led Blue to a small role in the film ''[[Black Gunn]]'', starring [[Jim Brown]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tht.fangraphs.com/tht-live/pop-culture-and-the-pastime-black-gunn-and-vida-blue/|title=Pop culture and the pastime: Black Gunn and Vida Blue|date=November 30, 2012}}</ref>

After Blue's breakthrough season in 1971, he and Athletics owner [[Charlie Finley]] clashed over his salary. Blue, who had earned $14,000 in 1971, sought a $92,500 salary. He held out, missing much of the year, before Blue and Finley settled at $63,000.<ref name=battlescars/> Blue ended up with a 6–10 record in spite of a 2.80 ERA in 1972. He did not make the Athletics' post-season starting rotation, instead pitching mainly in [[relief pitcher|relief]]. Against the [[Cincinnati Reds]] in the [[1972 World Series]] he made four appearances, including a save in Game 1, a blown save in Game 4, and a loss in a spot-start in Game 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1972_WS.shtml|title=1972 World Series – Oakland Athletics over Cincinnati Reds (4–3)|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>

[[File:AN OAKLAND A'S PITCHER DELIVERS DURING A GAME WITH THE HOME TEAM CHICAGO CUBS AT WRIGLEY FIELD. THE FACILITY ALSO IS... - NARA - 556302.jpg|thumb|left|Blue pitches for the Oakland A's in 1973]]

Blue went 20–9 in [[1973 Oakland Athletics season|1973]], 17–15 in [[1974 Oakland Athletics season|1974]], and 22–11 in [[1975 Oakland Athletics season|1975]], as an integral member of the Athletics' five straight American League Western Division pennants from 1971 to 1975, and three consecutive World Championships in 1972, 1973, and 1974. Perhaps his finest postseason performances were four innings of shutout relief work against the [[Detroit Tigers]] to save Game 5 of the 1972 American League Championship Series and a complete-game 1–0 shutout against the Orioles in Game 3 of the 1974 ALCS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1974_ALCS.shtml|title=1974 ALCS – Oakland Athletics over Baltimore Orioles (3–1)|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> On September 28, 1975, Blue, [[Glenn Abbott]], [[Paul Lindblad]], and [[Rollie Fingers]] combined to no-hit the [[California Angels]] 5–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/29/archives/4-as-pitchers-combine-for-nohitter.html |title=4 A's Pitchers Combine for No-Hitter – The New York Times |work=[[The New York Times]] |date= September 29, 1975|accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-28-1975-oakland-as-use-four-pitchers-to-no-hit-angels-on-final-day-of-season/|title=September 28, 1975: Oakland A's use four pitchers to no-hit Angels on final day of season – Society for American Baseball Research}}</ref>

After an 18–13 season with a 2.35 ERA in 1976, Blue told reporters, "I hope the next breath Charlie Finley takes is his last. I hope he falls flat on his face and dies of [[polio]]."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Iber |first=Jorge |title=Mike Torrez: A Baseball Biography |publisher=McFarland |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-7864-9632-7 |location=Jefferson, NC |page=132}}</ref> In June {{Baseball year|1976}}, baseball commissioner [[Bowie Kuhn]] vetoed an attempt by Finley to sell Blue's contract to the [[New York Yankees]], and did the same thing on January 30, {{by|1978}} to a trade announced by the [[Cincinnati Reds|Reds]] at the [[Winter Meetings]] on December 9, 1977, that would've had Blue sent to Cincinnati for [[Dave Revering]] and $1.75 million.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/10/archives/yanks-sign-eastwick-to-5year-pact-reds-obtain-vida-blue-but-kuhn.html Durso, Joseph. "Yanks Sign Eastwick to 5‐Year Pact," ''The New York Times'', Saturday, December 10, 1977.] Retrieved October 22, 2020</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1978/01/31/as-deal-of-blue-canceled-by-kuhn/1ec6def5-ed99-4dec-80ca-54d788bd821f/ Scannell, Nancy. "A's Deal Of Blue Canceled By Kuhn," ''The Washington Post'', Tuesday, January 31, 1978.] Retrieved October 22, 2020</ref> In both instances, Kuhn said the trades would be bad for baseball because they would benefit already powerful teams without making them give up any significant talent in return. At the end of the 1976 season, nearly the entire A's roster of star players from Oakland's championship teams left with baseball's new [[free agency]], or were traded off by Finley, leaving Blue, who was still under contract with Oakland, to mentor a new team of primarily rookies and other young players. [[Alvin Dark]], who managed Blue in 1974 and 1975, was surprised that Blue had remained with the team, writing that he "must have gotten the contract concessions he wanted."<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dark |first1=Alvin |title=When in Doubt, Fire the Manager: My Life and Times in Baseball |last2=Underwood |first2=John |publisher=E. P. Dutton |year=1980 |isbn=0-525-23264-8 |location=New York |page=222}}</ref> In the 1977 season, Blue went 14–19 with a 3.83 ERA and leading the AL both in hits and earned runs surrendered.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/1977.shtml|title=1977 Oakland Athletics Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>

===San Francisco Giants (1978–1981)===
In March 1978, the Athletics traded Blue to the [[San Francisco Giants]] for [[Gary Thomasson]], [[Gary Alexander (baseball)|Gary Alexander]], [[Dave Heaverlo]], [[John Henry Johnson (baseball)|John Henry Johnson]], [[Phil Huffman]], [[Alan Wirth]], and $300,000.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/17/archives/seven-players-traded-to-as-meeting-the-limit-giants-obtain-blue.html "Seven Players Traded to A's," ''United Press International'' (UPI), Thursday, March 16, 1978.] Retrieved October 22, 2020</ref> [[Mario Guerrero]] was sent to the Athletics as a [[player to be named later]] to complete the transaction.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bud Geracie |url=https://www.paradisepost.com/2020/02/15/history-of-trades-between-the-as-and-giants-is-short-and-sad-for-one-team/ |title=History of trades between the A's and Giants is short — and sad (for one team) – Paradise Post |publisher=Paradisepost.com |date= February 15, 2020|accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref>

In [[1978 San Francisco Giants season|1978]], Blue went 18–10 with a 2.79 ERA as he led the Giants to 89 wins and a third-place finish in the [[National League West]] Division, which was won by the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1978.shtml|title=1978 San Francisco Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He started for the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] in the 1978 All-Star Game. He won the ''[[Sporting News]]'' National League Pitcher of the Year.<ref name=sabr/>

Blue went 14–14 with a career worst 5.01 ERA as a full-time starter in 1979,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1979.shtml|title=1979 San Francisco Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> 14–10 with a 2.97 ERA in 1980,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1980.shtml|title=1980 San Francisco Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> and 8–6 with a 2.45 ERA in 1981, a strike-interrupted season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1981.shtml|title=1981 San Francisco Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>

===Kansas City Royals (1982–1983)===
The Giants traded Blue to the [[Kansas City Royals]] for [[Atlee Hammaker]], [[Craig Chamberlain]], [[Renie Martin]], and [[Brad Wellman]] on March 30, 1982.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gary Peterson |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/30/on-this-date-march-30-giants-trade-vida-blue-one-week-before-opening-day/ |title=Giants trade Vida Blue to Royals one week before opening day |work=Mercurynews.com |date=March 30, 2020 |accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref> He went 13–12 with a 3.78 ERA in 31 starts in 31 appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/1982.shtml|title=1982 Kansas City Royals Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> In 1983, Blue went 0–5 with a 6.01 ERA in 19 appearances, 13 of them starts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/1983.shtml|title=1983 Kansas City Royals Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> Blue was released mid-season, on August 6, 1983.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/08/05/The-Kansas-City-Royals-Friday-gave-up-on-former/2069428904000/|title=The Kansas City Royals Friday gave up on former... – UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref>

After the [[1983 Kansas City Royals season|1983 season]], Blue and former teammates [[Willie Wilson (baseball)|Willie Wilson]], [[Jerry Martin (baseball)|Jerry Martin]], and [[Willie Aikens]] pleaded guilty to attempting to purchase [[cocaine]]. He was sentenced to three months in prison<ref>{{cite news|author=UPI |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/02/sports/blue-is-starting-his-prison-term.html |title=Blue Is Starting His Prison Term – The New York Times |work=[[The New York Times]] |date= January 2, 1984|accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref> and was suspended for the 1984 season.<ref name=battlescars/><ref>{{cite news|last=Rogers |first=Thomas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/27/sports/blue-suspended-for-the-year.html |title=Blue Suspended For The Year – The New York Times |work=[[The New York Times]] |date= July 27, 1984|accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref>

===San Francisco Giants (1985–1986)===
In April 1985, Blue returned as a free agent to the San Francisco Giants on a one-year deal. He went 8–8 with a 4.47 ERA in 33 appearances, 20 of them starts, the rest in middle-inning and mop-up relief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1985.shtml|title=1985 San Francisco Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>

In 1985, Blue testified in the [[Pittsburgh drug trials]]. 

Blue re-signed on another one-year deal in 1986, finishing his career going 10–10 with a 3.27 ERA in 28 appearances, all starts, at the age of 36.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1986.shtml|title=1986 San Francisco Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> On April 20, he won his 200th career MLB game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/04/21/Vida-Blue-refused-to-stop-dreaming-about-his-200th/8907514443600/|title=Vida Blue refused to stop dreaming about his 200th... – UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref> Blue signed with the Oakland Athletics for the 1987 season, but announced his retirement in February 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/02/19/Veteran-left-hander-Vida-Blue-who-signed-a-contract-with/8139540709200/|title=Veteran left-hander Vida Blue, who signed a contract with... – UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref>

==Post-pitching career==
After baseball, Blue was a baseball analyst for [[NBC Sports Bay Area]], the TV home of the San Francisco Giants.<ref name=obit/>

Blue's troubles with [[substance abuse]] continued to haunt him after his playing career, as he faced multiple [[DUI]] charges in 2005. He acknowledged that the trials may have influenced him being left off the Hall of Fame ballot after one year, stating, "I had some issues in my life that might have had a tendency to sway voting. There are some guys in the [[Baseball Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] who don't have halos."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Dave |date=May 17, 2005 |title=The San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/05/17/BAGJLCQAA91.DTL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/Add-these-three-words-to-one-of-MLB-s-greatest-16438791.php|title=Add these three words to one of MLB's greatest names: Vida Blue, Hall of Famer|first=Ann|last=Killion|date=September 6, 2021|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref>

===Charity work===
In 1971, Blue accompanied [[Bob Hope]] on his [[United Service Organizations|USO]] Christmas tour of [[Vietnam]] and other military installations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USS Mullinnix DD-944 - Bob Hope Dec 1971 |url=https://www.mightymux.com/BobHopeTribute.html |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=www.mightymux.com}}</ref> Blue remained active, working for numerous charitable causes including Safeway All Stars Challenge Sports,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si&v=-1AEih0fEZI&feature=youtu.be |title=Vida Blue - Safeway 2007 |date=2007-10-05 |last=ubroadcastVideos |access-date=2025-01-07 |via=YouTube}}</ref> automobile donations,<ref>{{cite web |title=4 donate car charity |url=http://www.protectwebform.com/stats/keyword.php?k%3D4+donate+car+charity |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715124256/http://www.protectwebform.com/stats/keyword.php?k=4+donate+car+charity |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> celebrity golf tournaments,<ref>{{cite web |website=Athlebrities.com |title=If It Matters To You, It Matters To Us |url=https://athlebrities.com/ |access-date=August 29, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref> and children's charities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.varietync.org/download/newsletter/VarietyWorks1004.pdf |title=Golf Tournament A Hole In One: $50,000 Expected for Variety Kids |access-date=November 7, 2009 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172306/http://www.varietync.org/download/newsletter/VarietyWorks1004.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Blue was also active promoting baseball in [[Costa Rica]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://ticotimes.net/2008/08/08/vida-blue-pitches-favorite-pastime| title = Vida Blue Pitches Favorite Pastime|website=Ticotimes.net| date = August 8, 2008}}</ref>

==Personal life and death==
In September 1989, Blue married Peggy Shannon on the [[pitcher's mound]] at [[Candlestick Park]]. His [[best man]] was former teammate [[Willie McCovey]] and [[Orlando Cepeda]] escorted Shannon to the mound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/b8d955261d9515d4fbc3a9e7e0ca87dc |title=Ex-Major-Leaguer Vida Blue Weds On Giants Stadium Pitcher's Mound |publisher=Apnews.com |date=September 25, 1989 |accessdate=May 7, 2023}}</ref>

They had twin girls and divorced in 1996. He also had a son Derrick<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/shea/article/A-TOUGH-PITCH-Friends-relatives-say-it-s-time-2657333.php | title=A TOUGH PITCH / Friends, relatives say it's time for Vida Blue to get it together | date=July 5, 2005 }}</ref> and two other daughters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2023/05/07/Vida-Blue-dies-Oakland-Athletics-MLB/9381683474662/|title=Vida Blue, 1971 MVP and 3-time World Series champ, dies at 73 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref>

After retiring from baseball, Blue resided in California's [[Twain Harte, California|Twain Harte]] area in the Sierra Nevada foothills for many years, before moving to [[Tracy, California]] by 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/3078258/former-tuolumne-county-resident-vida-blue-passes-away.html |title=Former Tuolumne County Resident Vida Blue Passes Away |date=May 8, 2023 |accessdate=May 8, 2023 |work=myMotherLode.com |first=B.J. |last=Hansen}}</ref>

Blue died in a hospital in the [[East Bay]] on May 6, 2023, at the age of 73.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37546009/vida-blue-former-al-mvp-3-world-series-champ-dies|title=Blue, former MVP, 3-time WS champ, dies at 73|date=May 7, 2023|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> According to Athletics team officials, Blue died as a result of medical complications stemming from cancer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vida Blue, who led Oakland to 3 World Series titles, dies at 73 |url=https://www.kktv.com/2023/05/08/vida-blue-who-led-oakland-3-world-series-titles-dies-73/#:~:text=Blue%20died%20at%20a%20hospital,championship%20team%20on%20April%2016. |website=[[KKTV]] | date=May 8, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
* [[Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame]]
* [[Black Aces]], African-American pitchers with a 20-win MLB season
* [[List of Major League Baseball career wins leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{baseballstats |mlb=111119 |espn= |br=b/bluevi01 |fangraphs=1001094 |brm=blue--001vid |retro=B/Pbluev001}}
* {{imdb name|0089549}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{succession box |title=[[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters|No-hitter pitcher]] | before=[[Bill Singer]] |years=September 21, 1970 |after=[[Ken Holtzman]]}}
{{Succession box|title=[[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters|No-hit game]] |before=[[Ed Halicki]]| years= September 28, {{baseball year|1975}} <br />(with [[Glenn Abbott|Abbott]], [[Paul Lindblad|Lindblad]] & [[Rollie Fingers|Fingers]]) |after=[[Larry Dierker]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{1972 Oakland Athletics}}
{{1973 Oakland Athletics}}
{{1974 Oakland Athletics}}
{{Oakland Athletics Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{AL Cy Young}}
{{AL MVPs}}
{{AL ERA champions}}
{{San Francisco Giants Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame}}
{{Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year Award}}
{{Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year Award}}
{{Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame}}
{{300 strikeout club}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blue, Vida}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:African-American baseball players]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:American League ERA champions]]
[[Category:American League Most Valuable Player Award winners]]
[[Category:American sportspeople convicted of crimes]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Louisiana]]
[[Category:Birmingham A's players]]
[[Category:Burlington Bees players]]
[[Category:Cy Young Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in California]]
[[Category:Iowa Oaks players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]
[[Category:Orlando Juice players]]
[[Category:People from Mansfield, Louisiana]]
[[Category:San Bernardino Pride players]]
[[Category:San Francisco Giants players]]
[[Category:St. Lucie Legends players]]