Vida Blue RIP

[byco42]

Link

Tried to source someone with more than casual knowledge about Vida Blue. He's the last switch-hitting MVP, and the only pitcher to start the All-Star games for both leagues (1971 and 1978).

 

[tinselwolverine]

He was good.

I felt like he snaked the Cy Young Award away from our own Mickey Lolich, but oh well, it was up to the voters - not Vida Blue? fault, he was just doing his job.

82 year old Mickey Lolich is still with us - he outlived Vida Blue! Who?d a thunk?

More recent photos show Lolich significantly more svelte than I remember from his pitching days.

 

[byco42]

He was good.

I felt like he snaked the Cy Young Award away from our own Mickey Lolich, but oh well, it was up to the voters - not Vida Blue? fault, he was just doing his job.

The deserved hype and the fast start cinched the Cy and MVP for Vida. He made a little over $14,000 that season.

82 year old Mickey Lolich is still with us - he outlived Vida Blue! Who?d a thunk?

More recent photos show Lolich significantly more svelte than I remember from his pitching days.

Mickey was making $58,000 in 1971.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Blue was dominate in '71, certainly worthy.

Rest in peace to the awesome one.

 

[byco42]

Blue was dominate in '71, certainly worthy.

Rest in peace to the awesome one.

No doubt Vida earned both accolades. In almost any other year of that era, Lolich wins the Cy Young. But Vida was at another level that season, even if he "cooled off" in the second half of the season, which, in fact, he actually didn't.