The Oakland Athletics announced on Sunday that Vida Blue, a dynasty player in the big leagues for 17 years and a vital component of their three-peat in the World Series from 1972 to 1974, had died. He was 73. There was no mention of a particular cause of death. Vida Blue was born and raised in DeSoto Parish in Northwestern Louisiana. He was the eldest of Vida Blue, Sr.’s and Sallie’s six children, all of whom worked as workers at a Mansfield iron foundry.
In high school, Blue was a quarterback for the football team and a pitcher for the baseball club. During his senior season, he threw for 3,400 yards and 35 touchdowns while running for 1,600 yards. During his last season, Blue pitched a no-hitter and a game with 21 strikeouts in just seven innings. Despite multiple offers to play NCAA football, Blue chose to join the Oakland A’s when his father died suddenly.
