Oakland Athletics: The Athletics’ All-Time 25-Man Roster

Starting Pitcher 2: Vida Blue

Vida Blue started his 17 year MLB career with the Oakland Athletics in 1969, just one year after the team moved from Kansas City to the East Bay. Blue spent a total of nine years with the Athletics before moving across the Bay to the San Francisco Giants. During his time with Oakland, he was part of three World Series Championship teams and named an All-Star three times. Lastly, while still a rookie, Blue threw a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins on September 21, 1970.

Unlike most left handed pitchers, Blue was known for his powerful and precise pitching style. He consistently hit the strike zone with his curveball, changeup and fastball, which could reach up to 100 MPH. His throwing skills also translated to football where he was the starting quarterback for his high school team. Blue actually ended up receiving multiple multiple offers to play college football, but he ultimately chose baseball and the Oakland Athletics.

During his time with the Athletics, he became an integral part of the rotation throughout the mid-1970s. From 1973-1975, Blue had a 59-35 record with a 3.18 combined ERA over those seasons. Vida and his fellow A’s pitchers had enough talent to be able to throw a combined no-hitter against the California Angels in 1975.

However, 1971 was probably his best year with the Oakland Athletics. Blue won the AL MVP and Cy Young, and he held the AL ERA leader title by the time the season came to a close. Additionally, he had a career high of eight shutouts that season as well as a 1.82 ERA, which was the lowest throughout his MLB career.

Runner-Up: Rube Waddell

When we go way back in Athletics’ history, we find starting pitcher Rube Waddell, who was with the Philadelphia Athletics from 1902-1907. The A’s were the fifth team that he played for in a baseball career began back in 1897. During his time with the Athletics, he was a six-time AL strikeout leader as well as the AL ERA leader and wins leader in 1905. Waddle was known as a power pitcher even though he was sometimes unpredictable. But his talent and skills paid off, and he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946.

Next: The Rotation: Starting Pitcher #3