Was Vida Blue a switch hitter?

Answer 1

No.

Vida Blue, the Cy young and MVP award winning, 6 time all- star pitcher, 3-time World Series winner, (Only one other starting pitcher, Roger Clemens in1986, has won an MVP Award since) battled drug addiction over the course of his career. After the 1983 season, he and former teammates Willie Wilson, Jerry Martin and Willie Aikens pleaded guilty to attempting to purchase Cocaine. In 1985, he testified in the Pittsburgh drug investigations.

On a personal note, the man is one of the kindest human beings on the planet, and has helped countless youths to stay off the dangerous streets, to believe in themselves enough to continue to pursue their dreams. Btw, if you think his blistering fastball was tough, you should try catching a football from him, he could have just as easily been a successful NFL quarterback.

Now a spokesman for a Bay-Area sporting apparel company Mr. Blue divides his time between his job, and many charitable activities across America. There is no outward sign of disappointment at not being recognized in the HOF, he seems still grateful at having been able to play in the majors.

Answer 2

Yes.

Vida Blue is also the answer, albeit a trick answer, to a trivia question current to the 2009 season.

Q: Who is the last switch hitter to win the American League MVP award?

A: Vida Blue in 1971.