Vida Blue began his career in 1971 with the Oakland A’s and, as a rookie, won the Cy Young and MVP Awards with a 24-8 record and 1.82 ERA. He started in the All-Star Game that year with credit for the American League’s win. In 1973, he won 20 games; in 1975, 22. In 1978, he joined the Giants and is only one of 10 major league pitchers to top 300 strike outs (301) in one season. He played in the majors for 17 years and has a lifetime ERA 3.26.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

Plaque location: Oracle Park