Outside Topic RIP Vida Blue - Printable Version

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RIP Vida Blue - triangle2 - 05-07-2023

One of my childhood heroes even though he pitched for the A’s (back then) and not the Giants. Finley robbed Vida of his 1972 season; Vida’s personal issues probably cost him maybe 40-50 wins and potentially a HOF invite. 24-8 with 24 complete games in ‘71. He’s pretty high up the ‘woulda shoulda coulda’ list.

Later on in high school, I pulled a hip flexor in the back yard trying to imitate his delivery. Good thing I was too old to try Lincecum’s.

My grandma also loved Vida even though he ‘pitched for the wrong team.’

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37546009/vida-blue-former-al-mvp-3-world-series-champ-dies

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RE: RIP Vida Blue - TonyLima - 05-07-2023

IIRC Finley wanted him to change his first name to … True.  Vida’s response was that if Finley liked that name so much, he should change his first name. A character worthy of the A’s in those days.

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RE: RIP Vida Blue - lex24 - 05-07-2023

(05-07-2023, 04:16 PM)TonyLima Wrote:  IIRC Finley wanted him to change his first name to … True.  Vida’s response was that if Finley liked that name so much, he should change his first name. A character worthy of the A’s in those days.

I think it was his middle name actually.  Finley also told him to see how much he could make as  a plumber when Vida asked for a raise.  Finley was a jerk.

I met Vida briefly at a golf course.  Couldn’t have been nicer.  Hit the ball a mile. A great pitcher and a Bay Area icon.  He will be missed.

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RE: RIP Vida Blue - TonyLima - 05-07-2023

(05-07-2023, 04:24 PM)lex24 Wrote:  

(05-07-2023, 04:16 PM)TonyLima Wrote:  IIRC Finley wanted him to change his first name to … True.  Vida’s response was that if Finley liked that name so much, he should change his first name. A character worthy of the A’s in those days.

I think it was his middle name actually.  Finley also told him to see how much he could make as  a plumber when Vida asked for a raise.  Finley was a jerk.

I met Vida briefly at a golf course.  Couldn’t have been nicer.  Hit the ball a mile. A great pitcher and a Bay Area icon.  He will be missed.

I will defer to your younger memory.  I always suspected Vida was a genuine person.  Very happy you got to meet him.

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