The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are very pleased to announce the appearance of former Cy Young winner, American League Most Valuable Player, 6-time Major League All-Star Pitcher, and three-time World Series Pitcher, Vida Blue, for the Volcanoes 3rd Annual Winter Sports Banquet to be held on Friday, February 12th, at the KeizerCivicCenter, beginning at 6:00 PM.Originally drafted by the Kansas City Athletics in the 2ndround in 1967, Vida was traded by the Athletics to the San Francisco Giants in 1978. In 1982, he joined the Kansas City Royals. Vida was again signed by the Giants in 1985, and ended his legendary career with the Giants in 1986.
Vida spent 17 years in the big leagues winning 209 games against just 161 losses for a.565 winning percentage. At age 21, he hurled a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins. Blue was a member of the American League All-Star Team in 1971, 1975 and 1977, and a member of the National League All-Star Team in 1978, 1980 and 1981. In 1971, Vida's best season, he was 22-4, won the Cy Young Award and the American League Most Valuable Player with an ERA of 1.82, 8 shutouts, and 301 strikeouts. Vida pitched in the 1972, 1973 and 1974 World Series. Vida ended his career with an ERA of just 3.27, struck out 2,175 batters, won 10 or more games in eleven different seasons including a span of 8 consecutive years (1973-1980).
The banquet will begin at 6:00pm with a social hour and silent auction, followed by dinner at 7:00pm and a talk by Vida Blue. Vida is also available to sign free autographs during the social hour "meet and greet", and after the event. For banquet tickets, please call the Volcanoes at 503-390-2225. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. A table of eight may be purchased for $200.
Don't miss one of the very best all-time great Major Leaguers, Pitcher Vida Blue.
Available items during the silent auction include: A Babe Ruth Baseball bat from his last bat order in 1935, A Willie Mays Autographed Baseball, A Hank Aaron Autographed Baseball, Tim Lincecum autographed bobblehead, Pablo Sandavol autographed jersey and many unique one of a kind items like attending batting practice with the Volcanoes, Being the Volcanoes Stadium Public Address Announcer, Batboy for a game, etc etc.
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Northwest League Stories from February 9, 2010
• Baseball Legend Vida Blue Here This Friday - Salem-Keizer VolcanoesThe opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.