History of Vida Blue in Timeline
"Vida Blue was an American professional baseball player. As a left-handed pitcher, he played in Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1986. He was a key player for the Oakland Athletics, helping them win three World Series championships in a row from 1972 to 1974. In 1971, he won both the American League Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player Award."
1931: Athletics' First Postseason Berth Since 1931
The Oakland Athletics, led by Vida Blue, won the American League West title in 1971, marking the franchise's first postseason appearance since the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1931 World Series.
July 28, 1949: Birth of Vida Blue
Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. was born on July 28, 1949.
1967: Drafted by the Kansas City Athletics
The Kansas City Athletics selected Vida Blue in the second round of the 1967 MLB Draft.
1969: Major League Debut
Vida Blue made his major league debut on July 20, 1969.
1970: No-Hitter Against the Minnesota Twins
Vida Blue threw a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins on September 21, 1970.
1971: Blue joins Bob Hope's USO Christmas tour and continues charitable work
In 1971, Blue participated in Bob Hope's USO Christmas tour, visiting Vietnam and military installations. He dedicated his time to various charitable endeavors, including the Safeway All Stars Challenge Sports, car donations, celebrity golf tournaments, and children's charities.
1971: Cy Young and MVP Award Winner
Vida Blue had a standout year in 1971, winning both the Cy Young Award and the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
1972: World Series Champion and Film Appearance
Vida Blue won his first World Series championship with the Oakland Athletics in 1972. That same year, he appeared in the film "Black Gunn" starring Jim Brown.
1974: Third Consecutive World Series Title
Vida Blue and the Oakland Athletics secured their third consecutive World Series win in 1974.
September 28, 1975: Combined No-Hitter Against the California Angels
Vida Blue, along with Glenn Abbott, Paul Lindblad, and Rollie Fingers, combined to no-hit the California Angels on September 28, 1975.
December 9, 1977: Trade Veto Announced
A trade sending Vida Blue to the Reds was announced at the Winter Meetings on December 9, 1977, but it was later vetoed by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.
January 30, 1978: Trade to the Cincinnati Reds Vetoed
Commissioner Bowie Kuhn vetoed a trade on January 30, 1978, that would have sent Vida Blue to the Cincinnati Reds.
March 1978: Trade to the San Francisco Giants
Vida Blue was traded to the San Francisco Giants in March 1978.
1978: All-Star Game Starter for Both Leagues
Vida Blue became one of five pitchers to start the All-Star game for both the American League (1971) and the National League (1978).
March 30, 1982: Trade to the Kansas City Royals
Vida Blue was traded to the Kansas City Royals on March 30, 1982.
1982: Trade to the Kansas City Royals
Vida Blue was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1982.
August 6, 1983: Released by the Royals
Vida Blue was released by the Kansas City Royals on August 6, 1983.
1984: Suspension for Cocaine Possession
Vida Blue was suspended for the 1984 season after pleading guilty to attempting to purchase cocaine.
April 1985: Return to the San Francisco Giants
Vida Blue returned to the San Francisco Giants as a free agent in April 1985.
1986: Final Season in MLB
Vida Blue played his final season in Major League Baseball in 1986.
February 1987: Retirement from Baseball
Vida Blue announced his retirement from baseball in February 1987.
September 1989: Blue marries Peggy Shannon at Candlestick Park
In September 1989, Blue married Peggy Shannon on the pitcher's mound at Candlestick Park. His former teammate Willie McCovey served as his best man, while Orlando Cepeda escorted Shannon.
1996: Blue and Peggy Shannon divorce
In 1996, Vida Blue and Peggy Shannon got divorced. They had twin daughters together. Blue also had a son named Derrick and two other daughters.
2005: Blue's struggles with substance abuse and Hall of Fame omission
In 2005, Blue faced multiple DUI charges, which he acknowledged may have impacted his omission from the Hall of Fame ballot after one year. He believed that his personal struggles might have swayed the voting.
2007: Blue relocates to Tracy, California
By 2007, Blue moved to Tracy, California, after having lived in California's Twain Harte area in the Sierra Nevada foothills for a significant period after his retirement from baseball.
May 6, 2023: Death of Vida Blue
Vida Blue passed away on May 6, 2023.