Regrets, I’ve Had a Few … (Part 2 of 2)

Vida Blue

Blue played seventeen Major League seasons, spending time with the Athletics, Giants and Royals.  He finished his career with more than 200 wins, an earned run average of 3.27, and was an All-Star six times.

Blue was most successful in Oakland under manager Dick Williams and legendary owner Charlie Finley.  While there, Blue anchored the pitching staff for teams that won three straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974.  With the Athletics, Blue also won the American League Cy Young and MVP awards in 1971.

Blue is not in the Hall of Fame, and his struggles with substance abuse during and after his career make it unlikely that he will be enshrined.  However, on-field performance and his link to the storied Oakland teams of the 1970s make him a worthy addition to a baseball card collection.  Blue’s rookie is found in 1970 Topps, and it costs $75 in PSA 6 condition.

How about you?  Do you enjoy prospecting, or do you focus on established veterans?  Are there baseball players from the past that you believe are underappreciated in the hobby?  I would love to hear from you!  Please leave your comments in the section below.

Dan is married, has a daughter and son, and spends most of his days engaged in financial compliance activities for an insurance company.  He has been known to overuse caffeine and has been collecting and trading sports memorabilia since 1985.