I think he was the first pitcher to capture my generation's attention nationwide- his 1971 season came before Mark Fydrich, Ron Guidry or Gooden had their own amazing years, and he was a year before Carlton won all those game for the terrible Phillies.

And he played for one of the most exciting and fun championship teams in history, 70s As, though that year the Orioles wth four 20 game winners (remember those?) knocked them out in the playoffs.

One of my favorites, even if he never played for a NY team.

RIP Vida, A's legend, 3 times WS champ and Cy Young. And I keep using him in OLs and helped me win a bunch of championships as well, even a TOC.

I have always thought of him as the coolest pitcher.
His first season being so dominant and garnering a love affair with baseball fans everywhere is what I see in my mind when I think of him. It was the whole package - the coolest name without a doubt and he wore one of the if not the most colorful team uniform - that with a last name Blue cemented imagery in my mind.
And his style and mechanics were also classic.
Iconic cool.

remember the 1971 Vida Blue card? I was a young kid and pulled this from a pack when he was pitching so well that year. Is that the coolest?

Answer to a tricky trivia question.

Who was the last switch-hitting AL MVP?

RIP Vida.

Posted by DodgerDon on 5/9/2023 12:38:00 PM (view original):
Answer to a tricky trivia question.

Who was the last switch-hitting AL MVP?

RIP Vida.

that's a good trivia question. Didn't know Vida switch hit. Actually he didn't really "hit", but rather took at bats. His lifetime slash line in 618 PAs was .104/.145/.330.

Posted by redwingscup on 5/9/2023 11:52:00 AM (view original):
remember the 1971 Vida Blue card? I was a young kid and pulled this from a pack when he was pitching so well that year. Is that the coolest?

Excellent card! Thanks for sharing. Fantastic pitcher, iconic wind-up. RIP Vida Blue