Baseball Legend Vida Blue Dies at the Age of 73

The pitcher starred for 17 years in the majors with the Athletics, Giants, and Royals. He won 209 career games, a Cy Young and an MVP award. He died at the age of 73.

Major League Baseball legend Vida Blue has passed away at the age of 73.

Blue starred for 17 years in the big leagues with the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals.

He played for the Athletics (1969-1977) before moving to the Giants (1978-1981), Royals (1982-1983) and back to the Giants (1985-1986).

One of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball history, Blue had a career record of 209-161. He was a six-time all-star who won three World Series titles, a Cy Young and an MVP award (both in 1971).

He won 20 games in three separate seasons and led the league in ERA (1.82) and shutouts (8) in 1971.

The Athletics released a statement on social media after his passing:

"There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue. 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."

A statement from the Oakland A's on the passing of Vida Blue. pic.twitter.com/fAMIU7MHCO

— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 7, 2023

Despite his accomplishments, Blue is not a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. 

This news continues a season full of negative news for the Athletics. The team is in last place in the American League West at 8-26 and there is continued worry that the team will be moving to Las Vegas in the coming seasons.

The Athletics will take on the Kansas City Royals on Sunday at 2:10 p.m. ET.