
Mansfield, Louisiana’s Vida Blue Accomplished a Rare Feat in 1971
I say this all the time, but North Louisiana truly is a hot bed for professional athletes. From Olympic athletes to Football Hall of Famers, our area has produced some absolute legends.
With MLB's Opening Day just 50 days away, here's one interesting stat I saw regarding Mansfield, Louisiana's own Vida Blue. His 1971 season absolutely incredible. But, when you really dig into the numbers and the stats, that magical season is even more impressive than any of us may have realized in the moment.
Vida Blue: Black Ace from Mansfield, Louisiana
Since February is Black History month, let's start here: Vida Blue is a member of the "Black Ace" club. For those that don't know, a "Black Ace" is an African-American pitcher that has won at least 20 games in a season.
This is a big deal because it is such a rare accomplishment and a very exclusive club. From integration through today, only 15 black pitchers have accomplished this feat. And only 5 of those 15 pitchers have done it more than once. Vida Blue is a member of both extremely exclusive clubs.
Throwback to Vida Blue’s MVP & Cy Young Dominance in 1971
As mentioned above, Vida is a member of an extremely rare group of black pitchers. However, in overall world of baseball, Vida Blue is a member of another rare group of pitchers - Pitchers that won both the MVP & Cy Young in the same season.
That particular accomplishment has only happened 11 times by some of the greatest pitchers ever - including Don Newcombe, Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson. So, in the overall world of baseball, that's some pretty impressive company.
Vida had several incredible seasons but none were better than his 1971 campaign. He won 24 games, led the league with a 1.82 ERA and 8.7 strike outs per 9 innings...if there was a pitching category, he was at or near the top of the league.
You watch the tape, you look at the stats, you do anything and you realize just how impressive Vida's MVP winning season was. But there's a fun little tidbit of information about that impressive season: According to MLB, Vida Blue was the last switch-hitter to win the American League MVP.
Yeah, you read that right. You have to remember, up until 1973 when the Designated Hitter became a thing in the American League, pitchers had to hit in ballgames. And Vida was a switch hitter in his career. Now, he wasn't exactly Mickey Mantle - his career batting average is a .104. But, he still got in the box and hit just like everyone else. And it still counts the same.
Vida Blue's Lasting Impact on MLB
Unfortunately, Vida never made the Baseball Hall of Fame. Some of that, and if he were still alive I think he'd agree, had to do with some of his off the field issues that prevented the BBWA voters from voting for him.
But, with that said, he was one heck of a pitcher and good man. Six time All-Star, 1971 MVP & Cy Young winner, the first American League Player to win both the MVP & Cy Young, and was a 3 time World Series Champion. The Athletics wouldn't have been able to go on that historic run in the 70s without Vida Blue's arm.
Off the field, he contributed to all kinds of charitable causes and really helped boosted the popularity of baseball in places like Costa Rica.
Now, he could always make the Hall of Fame through a Veteran's Committee - he's definitely deserving. But even without that specific honor, he'll forever be remembered for his on-field accomplishments in the A's Hall of Fame and San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame.
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