SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants are saddened to learn of the passing of six-time All-Star and longtime Bay Area pitcher Vida Blue, who passed away last night. Blue was 73 years old.
“Vida Blue has been a Bay Area baseball icon for over 50 years,” said Larry Baer, Giants President & Chief Executive Officer. “His impact on the Bay Area transcends his 17 years on the diamond with the influence he’s had on our community. For many years, he was such an integral part of our Junior Giants program. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this time.”
As a member of the San Francisco Giants, Blue was named an All-Star in three of his six seasons (1978, 1980, 1981) and posted a 72-58 record with a 3.52 ERA in 179 games overall. In 1978, his first season in San Francisco, Blue finished third in Cy Young voting, posting an 18-10 record with a 2.79 ERA. Blue’s 3.52 ERA ranks ninth overall in San Francisco Giants history.
The three-time World Series champion spent 15 of his 17 Major League seasons in the Bay Area, nine seasons with Oakland (1969-1977) and six with San Francisco (1978-1981 and 1985-1986). In 1971, at the age of 22, Blue won the American League Cy Young and MVP Awards after posting a 24-8 record with an AL-leading 1.82 ERA while with Oakland. Over his career, the Mansfield, Louisiana native posted three 20+ win seasons (1971, 1973 and 1975) while going 209-161 with a 3.27 ERA in 502 career games.
The left-hander is a member of both the Giants Wall of Fame and the Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1995, he was also inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. He served many years as a community representative for the Giants and was personally involved in several charitable causes including Northern Light School in Oakland.
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to the Blue family, his friends and all those whose lives he touched. Blue is survived by his son Derrick, daughters Alexis, Valerie, Sallie, and Evelyn.