A’s clinching the pennant with a 2-1 victory in Game 5 of the ALCS
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A’s clinching the pennant with a 2-1 victory in Game 5 of the ALCS

ByThis Day in Baseball

After clinching the pennant with a 2-1 victory in Game 5 of the ALCS, Blue Moon Odom and Vida Blue give new meaning to the term the Swingin’ A’s when the starting pitcher and the game’s closer begin to brawl in the clubhouse. Odom, who left after five innings having allowed a run on two hits, takes exception to the universal choke sign made by Vida Blue, when the reliever used the gesture to answer his own question, “How come you starters can’t finish what you begin.”

Charlie Finley holds baseball’s first ever “Mustache Day.”

Charlie Finley holds baseball’s first ever “Mustache Day.”

ByThis Day in Baseball

On June 18, 1972, colorful Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley holds baseball’s first ever “Mustache Day.” Finley agrees to pay $300 to each of his players for growing mustaches by Father’s Day and all do except Vida Blue, who is still bitter about his recent contract negotiations with the team owner. Reggie Jackson had started…

California Angels pitcher Don Rose homers in his first major league at-bat
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California Angels pitcher Don Rose homers in his first major league at-bat

ByThis Day in Baseball

On May 24, 1972,  At Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, California Angels pitcher Don Rose homers on the first pitch he sees in his first major league at-bat against Oakland A’s left-hander Vida Blue. The right-hander’s third inning round-tripper, which will be his only career round-tripper and the last hit by an American League hurler for thirty…

The long holdout of Oakland A’s pitching star Vida Blue comes to an end

The long holdout of Oakland A’s pitching star Vida Blue comes to an end

ByThis Day in Baseball

Sponsor this Page   On May 2, 1972, the long holdout of Oakland A’s pitching star Vida Blue comes to an end. Blue, who won the both the American League MVP and Cy Young awards in 1971, agrees to sign a contract for $63,000, after balking at owner Charlie Finley’s previous offers. Perhaps affected by…

Oakland A’s holdout Vida Blue announces that he has rejected the team’s latest contract offer

Oakland A’s holdout Vida Blue announces that he has rejected the team’s latest contract offer

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 16, 1972, Oakland A’s holdout Vida Blue announces that he has rejected the team’s latest contract offer and will retire to work for a company that makes toilet fixtures. The “retirement” won’t last long. The “retirement” won’t last long, as Blue will eventually come to terms with Oakland and begin his season in…

Major League Season Recap 1971

Major League Season Recap 1971

ByTom

Interested in exploring FRANCHISING? We will help you through your journey visit us @ www.franchisingconnection.com 1971, San Francisco held off a late charge from the rival Dodgers to win the NL West by a single game. Meanwhile Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Oakland cruised to their division titles. Steve Blass allowed only four hits as the Pirates…

Vida Blue becomes the youngest player ever to win the MVP award.

Vida Blue becomes the youngest player ever to win the MVP award.

ByTom

Vida Blue becomes the youngest player ever to win the MVP award. The 22 year-old A’s southpaw is only the fifth hurler to capture both the Cy Young Award and the MVP in the same season, joining Don Newcombe (1956 Dodgers), Sandy Koufax (1963 Dodgers), Bob Gibson (1968 Cardinals), and Denny McLain (1968 Tigers).

Vida Blue of the Oakland Athletics wins the American League Cy Young Award by a 98-85 margin over Mickey Lolich 

Vida Blue of the Oakland Athletics wins the American League Cy Young Award by a 98-85 margin over Mickey Lolich 

ByThis Day in Baseball

1971 – Vida Blue of the Oakland Athletics wins the American League Cy Young Award by a 98-85 margin over Mickey Lolich of the Detroit Tigers. Blue was 24-8 for Oakland, posting 301 strikeouts, eight shutouts and a 1.82 ERA, becoming the youngest pitcher to win the award. In the National League, Ferguson Jenkins of the Chicago Cubs receives the honor.