Vida Blue — one of many biggest pitchers within the Oakland Athletics’ historical past — has died.

The group introduced his passing Sunday, writing … “There are few gamers with a extra adorned profession than Vida Blue. He was a three-time champion, an MVP, a six-time All-Star, a Cy Younger Award winner, and an Oakland A’s Corridor of Famer.”

The A’s add … “Vida will all the time be a franchise legend and a good friend. We ship our deepest condolences to his household and mates throughout this arduous time.” No different particulars a few explanation for demise had been launched — the condolences, nonetheless, are pouring in from throughout.

The person actually left a mark on the sport. Because the A’s famous, he’d received three World Sequence with the group in ’72, ’73 and ’74 … serving as an integral a part of the beginning rotations throughout their 5 years of dominance in baseball. And, as they be aware … he was voted in as the perfect pitcher within the American League throughout his breakout yr with the A’s in 1971.

His stats, at occasions, had been off the charts … as soon as attaining a 1.82 ERA in a season — which suggests folks weren’t getting very many hits off him. He was a southpaw pitcher, and Vida had nasty stuff for that period. By and enormous, he was thought of an enormous menace on the mound.

VB was additionally recognized for his shrewd enterprise savvy behind the scenes. He famously locked horns with the A’s possession for a giant bump in wage — and he in the end obtained it.

Like we talked about, nearly each group tied to MLB is sending a tribute to the man … which speaks to his affect. Along with enjoying for the A’s, Vida was additionally on the SF Giants and the Kansas Metropolis Royals earlier than he retired in 1987. Vida was additionally a 6-time All-Star and the American League MVP in 1971 … on high of all his different accolades.