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I came along a rabbit hole looking at pitcher stats and came across the incredible career of an Oakland A southpaw. Vida Blue who went 209-161, with a career 3.27 ERA with 2,175 strikeouts caught my eye. It caught my attention on how solid he was but I was shocked he wasn't honored for his greatness. The fact that Vida Blue isn't in the Hall of Fame is actually absurd. His resume is quite incredible.
6× All-Star (1971, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981)
3× World Series champion (1972–1974)
AL MVP (1971)
AL Cy Young Award (1971)
AL ERA leader (1971)
Pitched a no-hitter on September 21, 1970
Pitched a combined no-hitter on September 28, 1975
He should be in the hall of fame strictly for his 1971 season. He went 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA/2.20 FIP/ 0.952 WHIP. He threw 301 strikeouts, pitched 8 shutouts, and completed 24 games. Are you kidding?! There hasn't been a season that similar since Verlander in 2011 (24-5, 2.40 ERA, 251 IP, 250 Ks). He was the youngest American League MVP ever at 22 years old and was the youngest pitcher to ever win a Cy Young award. Guy seemed like an absolute icon in the 70's.
Listen, I get he was part of the baseball cocaine scandal involving the Kansas City Royals, and was banned for the '84 season, but a personal drug choice that doesn't alter production in baseball, shouldn't stain his hall of fame chances. Not justifying it, but cocaine was a staple in the 70's and 80's. Those numbers alone are GODLY, and his resume speaks wonders. The Era Committees need to relook at Blue's career and get that man into Cooperstown!