Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. was born in the city of Mansfield, Louisiana, to his proud parents Vida Sr. and Sallie Blue. As a talented young athlete, he excelled in both baseball and football at DeSoto High School, showcasing his remarkable skills to potential scouts.
In 1967, Kansas City A's owner Charlie O. Finley took notice of Blue's exceptional abilities and signed him as a pitcher. Two years later, Blue made his professional debut for the A's, who had relocated to Oakland by then. His impressive performance on the mound caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
In 1970, Blue achieved a remarkable milestone, pitching a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins. The following year, he had an outstanding season, earning both the American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Awards. His impressive record of 24-8, with a 1.82 earned run average and eight shutouts, solidified his position as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Blue's success on the field didn't go unnoticed, and he was soon invited to appear in several motion pictures in cameo roles. He continued to excel in the World Series for the A's, starting in 1972 and pitching until 1974. Blue was also a multiple-time All-Star, appearing in games in 1971, 1975, and 1978.
In 1978, Blue was traded to the San Francisco Giants, and later, in 1982, he was dealt to the Kansas City Royals. He returned to the Giants in 1985 and eventually retired in 1987, concluding his illustrious career with 209 victories, 143 complete games, 37 shutouts, and a lifetime 3.26 earned run average.
Blue's remarkable achievements have been recognized by his inclusion in dream teams for both the A's and the Giants. His impressive career and numerous accolades have cemented his status as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
