I loved vida . When I was ten I met him at the A's game Back in those days the baseball players would walk around the stands and meet the kids . He was a very kind man I told him I was a lefty like him and he showed me how to throw a curve ball how he held his fastball . Wow such an honor .
Before Fernando mania there was the great Vida Blue. He threw hard and had 301 strikeouts in 1971. His career 209-161, 3 world series titles, MVP and a Cy Young this man belongs in the hall of fame.
Yes, and in 1976 there was Mark "The Bird" Fidrych mania. Blue, Fidrych, and Valenzuela all exploded onto the scene and fans went crazy over all of them. None went on to Hall-of-Fame careers, but Blue, as you mentioned had a very good career--and Valenzuela, too. Fidrych suffered through injuries and had a very brief career.
I was born a raised in Oakland..i went to a lot of games..in High school my friend and i took pictures with both Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue..i still have them to this day..
Scottsdale-Snottsdale Kid, born and raised. Played at the Boys Club behind the Stadium, and when Vida came to play the Cubs during Spring Training. When you heard a ridiculous pop in the bull pen. It grabbed the whole park's attention. You could not ignore the sound, never before, or since have I seen anything like it. Vida Blue was one of a kind, and one of the many reasons I worship at the alter of Spring.
I went to baseball camp when I was a kid and Vida taught me how to pitch! He even signed my glove when we were done :) I just started playing MLB The Show 19 and saw his pitching style in the game while I was making my player and realized how much he taught me back then
When Vida was playing for the A's, a friend of mine asked him for his autograph. As he tells the story, Vida said, "Fuck no! If I did that, I'd have to sign autographs for everybody."
We lost a true legend. Excellent player and excellent human being. I mostly remember him with the Giants, since I started following baseball in the mid-1980. I remember looking at the back of his baseball card when I was a kid, and being impressed with his stats.
A great pitcher in a jammed hall of fame decade as a kid he was one of my favorite pitchers. a top jammed decade Tom Seaver Steve Carlton Jim Palmer Nolan Ryan Vida Blue condolences to the A's . R.I.P Vida he will be missed.
And the man up next, after McCovey, hit the game's first (of 6) HR. That would of course be my favorite player of all times, Mr. Johnny Bench. And speaking of the game's six home runs, how's this for a list of greats? Bench, Aaron, Clemente for the NL and Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Harmon Killebrew for the AL. Wow!?! The NL lineup was so amazing that Roberto Clemente and Pete Rose were non-starters!
They were two of my favorite players to watch back in the early 70's. Aaron always brought the excitement too as he closed in on Ruth's record. Back when baseball was fun to watch!
I am from Canada and met Vida at an A's game in 2011. I sat with him and talked about everything except baseball. I missed the 1st six innings. If you read this Vida, I lost your phone number in a bad car accident. Signed the Canuck who talked funny.
When i was a kid,my friend told me he saw Vida at a place called Mary's and Joe's sporting goods in Albany CA. He asked him for an autograph, he said, "F no! If I give it to you I'll have to give it to everyone else." But he played catch with him - with a football! A few years later, I boarded the BART train, and I looked in front if me, and there was Vida staring at me, sitting by himself, like a regular passenger.
Suprised to hear scully talk about inter league play back then.I would have loved it as it was rare to see some of the stars play.the only time I would get to see some players play was in the all star game.no league pass back then.
lol, and now that you mention it I can't help but notice that they were mostly in the above average to great range! For the fun of it I looked up the WAR for some of the Willies who played in the 70s: Mays 156.2 Randolph 65.9 (can't believe he's higher than HOF'ers McCovey and Stargell!!) McCovey 64.5 Davis 60.8 Stargell 57.5 Wilson 46.1 Horton 26.4 Those 7 combine for 51 All star game appearances. Willie McGee just missed the 70's but his war is 34.2. And Upshaw and Willie Hernandez were decent too. Unreal.
Joe Ambrose I’m not impressed. My deceased grandmother’s partner’s (across the street companion and elderly neighbor) granddaughter was married to Nate McClouth. (Former Pirates outfielder and All-Star)
I'm 61. Live in Fairless Hills, Pa. When I was a boy,I'd pester my mom for money so I could walk down to the 711 on Trenton Rd . So I could buy a Slurpee . Back then, they sold Baseball players on Slurpee cups.I collected alot of Oakland A players . Vida Blue was absolutely in my collection. I wish I still had them. Alot of fond memories as a typical boy . Not like the weirdos raised today,where the parents encourage boys to question what gender they are. As boys,we NEVER,EVER had to deal with that nonsense. Is China, Russia sneaking something into our water ?
I forgot who said this, but a notable batter was asked what he thought of Blue's fastball, and somewhat aggravated, he responded, ".....I don't know! I've never SEEN it!"
Let's not also forget how Vitae appeared on the mound. Is skin was so dark nearly black is uniform what do yellow and green. He was very handsome and his leg kick beautiful big and intimidating. I was a small boy and was in awe of the image of every pitch. He was a flash on every pitch like an enormous exotic bird from the rainforest swooping by. That coupled with the explosive speed made him so special. It was a bit like watching Usain Bolt who also wore yellow and green colors against very dark skin.
@@Provemewrongwithfacts I know exactly what you meant as per my earlier post. I was just pointing out that 'black' doesn't just mean 'American' which is a mistake the media often makes on this issue. And, yes you're correct. Their aren't nearly as any American born blacks in MLB as their were 40 years ago which is a shame but I don't know if there's anything that can be done about it. I'm not into diversity just for diversity's sake but from a talent pool standpoint I hope the dearth of Black Americans in baseball rises in the future.
I loved vida . When I was ten I met him at the A's game
Back in those days the baseball players would walk around the stands and meet the kids . He was a very kind man I told him I was a lefty like him and he showed me how to throw a curve ball how he held his fastball . Wow such an honor .
Before Fernando mania there was the great Vida Blue. He threw hard and had 301 strikeouts in 1971. His career 209-161, 3 world series titles, MVP and a Cy Young this man belongs in the hall of fame.
He won an era title with 1.82 I think it was 1971.
Yes, and in 1976 there was Mark "The Bird" Fidrych mania. Blue, Fidrych, and Valenzuela all exploded onto the scene and fans went crazy over all of them. None went on to Hall-of-Fame careers, but Blue, as you mentioned had a very good career--and Valenzuela, too. Fidrych suffered through injuries and had a very brief career.
Did I hear Vida had 17 wins at this All-Star break.....?!
I said the same thing.
His record is similar to Don Drysdale.
@@TheBatugan77 😳I said the same thing LOL!!! AT THE ALL-STAR BREAK!!!??!!
That last strike call against Willy McCovey was brutal.
I was born a raised in Oakland..i went to a lot of games..in High school my friend and i took pictures with both Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue..i still have them to this day..
Scottsdale-Snottsdale Kid, born and raised. Played at the Boys Club behind the Stadium, and when Vida came to play the Cubs during Spring Training. When you heard a ridiculous pop in the bull pen. It grabbed the whole park's attention. You could not ignore the sound, never before, or since have I seen anything like it. Vida Blue was one of a kind, and one of the many reasons I worship at the alter of Spring.
I went to baseball camp when I was a kid and Vida taught me how to pitch! He even signed my glove when we were done :) I just started playing MLB The Show 19 and saw his pitching style in the game while I was making my player and realized how much he taught me back then
I love happy endings. Yawn
HeroicEdge he’s good in mlb 20
What did he teach you, for instance?
When Vida was playing for the A's, a friend of mine asked him for his autograph. As he tells the story, Vida said, "Fuck no! If I did that, I'd have to sign autographs for everybody."
Me too . That's so cool . He was a good man
We lost a true legend. Excellent player and excellent human being.
I mostly remember him with the Giants, since I started following baseball in the mid-1980. I remember looking at the back of his baseball card when I was a kid, and being impressed with his stats.
Vida Blue one of greatest Oakland A”s pitchers even. Love watching Vida pitch a all star and World Series and hall of frame Oakland A”s great.
Blue vs. Mays ! A matchup for the ages . . . Followed by 🔨 Hammerin' Hank & Joe Torre ? Priceless . . ❤ .
You like that? Me too.
I remember Vida Blue when I was growing up in KC. One of my favorite players. He will be missed.
Great time for baseball!! Vida Blue, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron....Class!!
I'm from San Francisco but an A's fan. Had the honor to see Vita, Catfish and Reggie.
RIP, Vida remember seeing you in the Coliseum many times.
A great pitcher in a jammed hall of fame decade as a kid he was one of my favorite pitchers.
a top jammed decade
Tom Seaver
Steve Carlton
Jim Palmer
Nolan Ryan
Vida Blue
condolences to the A's .
R.I.P Vida he will be missed.
A great an memorable year, 1971.
Mays, Aaron, Torre, Stargell & McCovey, wow that lineup for MLB the show be crazy good
And the man up next, after McCovey, hit the game's first (of 6) HR. That would of course be my favorite player of all times, Mr. Johnny Bench. And speaking of the game's six home runs, how's this for a list of greats? Bench, Aaron, Clemente for the NL and Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Harmon Killebrew for the AL. Wow!?! The NL lineup was so amazing that Roberto Clemente and Pete Rose were non-starters!
My favorite player of all time! RIP Vida! 🙏🏽💔😔
He was amazing.
Rest in peace
As a kid Blue was my favorite pitcher!"
Rose is a red
Vida’s a blue
If the Red’s get some pitching
The Dodgers are through
Vida hit my man, Willie Stargell! It's okay, certainly wasn't intentional! Actually loved watching Vida pitch
I wish I got to see guys like Vida and the rest of the 70s team play live.
They were two of my favorite players to watch back in the early 70's. Aaron always brought the excitement too as he closed in on Ruth's record. Back when baseball was fun to watch!
You won’t believe me but he was at my baseball game because my coach is friend with him.
Ok I don’t rly care that you believe me or not
SeanPrestonFed your a clown. Why would he lie about that?
Rest well Mr Blue. You will be missed
I am from Canada and met Vida at an A's game in 2011. I sat with him and talked about everything except baseball. I missed the 1st six innings. If you read this Vida, I lost your phone number in a bad car accident. Signed the Canuck who talked funny.
When i was a kid,my friend told me he saw Vida at a place called Mary's and Joe's sporting goods in Albany CA. He asked him for an autograph, he said, "F no! If I give it to you I'll have to give it to everyone else." But he played catch with him - with a football!
A few years later, I boarded the BART train, and I looked in front if me, and there was Vida staring at me, sitting by himself, like a regular passenger.
17 wins at the allstar break is insane.
Suprised to hear scully talk about inter league play back then.I would have loved it as it was rare to see some of the stars play.the only time I would get to see some players play was in the all star game.no league pass back then.
I think I read that Harmon Killebrew said..."You can't see Vida's fast ball. You only hear it. "
True legend.
its so bananas to me how identical Gooden and Blue's windup is even though they throw different hands
not close. goodens form was art.
RIP WILLY MAYS . I found out of your passing today. 6/19/24
The 3rd strike on McCovey was high.
Not as high as you
Yep. I love my prime years
R.I.P legend
Incredible footage. Be nice if some wiz out there could HD it up some, though.
The end o a Leyend and a Dinasty that is still talked about it today
I miss the shots from behind the plate, you can see the pitch so much better than from the outfield.
R.I.P
Gurt Gowdy: "Boy, did that pitch pop into Johnny Bench's mitt!" Ha ha!
And strike 3 to McCovey ... no way a strike.
johnny was on the on deck circle so how could he be catching?
rest your soul
Baseball, sure had a lot of Willie's, back then! 😄
lol, and now that you mention it I can't help but notice that they were mostly in the above average to great range! For the fun of it I looked up the WAR for some of the Willies who played in the 70s:
Mays 156.2
Randolph 65.9 (can't believe he's higher than HOF'ers McCovey and Stargell!!)
McCovey 64.5
Davis 60.8
Stargell 57.5
Wilson 46.1
Horton 26.4
Those 7 combine for 51 All star game appearances. Willie McGee just missed the 70's but his war is 34.2. And Upshaw and Willie Hernandez were decent too. Unreal.
Strike em out and sit em down....like I'm Vida Blue
You won’t believe me but my coach is friends with vida blue so he was at my baseball game.
Not impressed. My father went to the same school as the great nephew of Babe Ruths' barber
@@joeambrose3260 Not impressed with you. We're all impressed with relyxFN because he's not an asshole like you.
Joe Ambrose I’m not impressed. My deceased grandmother’s partner’s (across the street companion and elderly neighbor) granddaughter was married to Nate McClouth. (Former Pirates outfielder and All-Star)
The A's always had cool pitchers back then Goose and Vida
When the A's traded Vida to the Giants, there was a minor league prospect the A's got by the name of Ricky Henderson wors for me godspeed Vida
Blue's record is similar to Don Drysdale's. Wonder why one is in the Hall Of Fame and one isn't.
I'm 61. Live in Fairless Hills, Pa.
When I was a boy,I'd pester my mom for money so I could walk down to the 711 on Trenton Rd . So I could buy a Slurpee .
Back then, they sold Baseball players on Slurpee cups.I collected alot of Oakland A players . Vida Blue was absolutely in my collection. I wish I still had them.
Alot of fond memories as a typical boy .
Not like the weirdos raised today,where the parents encourage boys to question what gender they are. As boys,we NEVER,EVER had to deal with that nonsense. Is China, Russia sneaking something into our water ?
Wow...Vida sure threw hard.
I forgot who said this, but a notable batter was asked what he thought of Blue's fastball, and somewhat aggravated, he responded, ".....I don't know! I've never SEEN it!"
Monster
Last thing Curt Gowdy says is Johnny Benches Mitt...he was on deck :) Was that Bill Freehan catching?
Hey Vida, meet Johnny Bench.
what happened about 25 years later?
Blue 24-5 301 Strikeouts era 1.82
Was that Gowdy calling the game? And did he say that Johnny Bench was catching Vida Blue?
This has to be Detroit. Reggie Jackson pinch hit a huge homer.
Commissioner stop Cincinnati from getting Vida blue in the 70s if it were the Yankees nothing would have been said .
You're wrong. Yanks tried to buy Dick Williams to manage them. Kuhn voided the transaction.
Cut the crap, son.
@@TheBatugan77 dick wasn't a player so cut the crap . Lol.
Reds would have been WS winners with Blue and Seaver!
Who is catching?
Bill Freehan
Bill Dickey
Let's not also forget how Vitae appeared on the mound. Is skin was so dark nearly black is uniform what do yellow and green. He was very handsome and his leg kick beautiful big and intimidating. I was a small boy and was in awe of the image of every pitch. He was a flash on every pitch like an enormous exotic bird from the rainforest swooping by. That coupled with the explosive speed made him so special. It was a bit like watching Usain Bolt who also wore yellow and green colors against very dark skin.
🤨
Your heart is the blackest of all. May God have mercy on your soul for the rest of you is a rotting wasteland.
Now they selling the stadium 🤬🤬 🖕🏽Fisher
It's funny all the black guys you see. Now, you rarely see black guys in baseball.
There are lots of ‘black guys’, just not American blacks.
@@neneshubby Name one non American black.
@@Provemewrongwithfacts I’m watching one right now. Elvis Andrus. Black Venezuelan.
@@neneshubby When I say "black guys" I don't mean Venezuelans. I mean black American men.
@@Provemewrongwithfacts I know exactly what you meant as per my earlier post. I was just pointing out that 'black' doesn't just mean 'American' which is a mistake the media often makes on this issue. And, yes you're correct. Their aren't nearly as any American born blacks in MLB as their were 40 years ago which is a shame but I don't know if there's anything that can be done about it. I'm not into diversity just for diversity's sake but from a talent pool standpoint I hope the dearth of Black Americans in baseball rises in the future.