Rhapsody In Blue

I usually don't indulge in plagerism, but I liked the title of the article that a Burlington Hawkeye sportswriter wrote about Vida Blue's return to Burlington, that I figured I'd appropriate it for use here. After all, I'm going to be singing Mr. Blue's praises to a point where it may come across more as a rhapsody.

Vida Blue joined Paul Molitor and Billy Williams on the 27th of July as only the third person to be inducted to the Burlington Baseball Hall of Fame. He arrived in burlington in 1968, a 19 year old kid from Louisiana. Burlington, Iowa would be his first exposure to professional ball after being signed by the Oakland organization. He didn't do too badly, he only set the Burlington single-season record for strikeouts with 231, a record that still stands, by the way. Just 3 years later he'd earned himself American League MVP honors and a Cy Young Award as part of that great Oakland A's dynasty. Fans in Burlington back in 1968 as well as players, knew they were watching a future major leaguer. "All I know is that he threw real hard," Jim Dunegan said. "When he got going he had a good change of speed, and a slider in there too. He was a good pitcher. He had great potential but you never really know. He kept physically fit and had all the right tools. He was just a good athlete." Jim Dunegan should know. He went from playing against Vida Blue with the Quincy Cubs in 1968 to a short stint with the Chicago Cubs in 1970. "I think everyone knew it right away that he was going to make it," said longtime Burlington baseball fan Dick Wagner. Vida Blue went onto a 17 year career with Oakland, San Francisco and Kansas City, compiling a 209 - 161 record with 37 shut outs and a 3.28 ERA. He struck out 2,175 batters during his major league career.

Burlington pulled out all the stops to honor him on his night. Iowa's Governor was there as was the President of the Midwest League, for what he's worth. Vida Blue threw the first pitch of the ballgame to the son of his old Oakland A's teammate. Jason Fingers who pitches for Burlington, is the son of Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers. Mr. Blue came across as a real class act, a man who had nothing but praise for Burlington and thanks for the road that it started him on. "I had a great experience in Burlington the first time. And what a wonderful reason to be back here this time," Blue said Friday. "It's pretty cool to have all this recognition but it's even nicer to have people who are nice to you. That I do appreciate." Regarding Burlington he said "This is the perfect speed for me. The perfect speed," Blue said. "I know that people ridicule or make small of small towns, but I don't think that the people of Burlington have anything to be embarrassed about. Small town living is conducive to a lot of lifestyles, including mine." "I love baseball. It has opened a lot of doors for me," Blue said. "I think it's the greatest game going because as a former player you understand the confrontation each batter is having with the pitcher on every pitch. And that's the part that I enjoy. Even when I watch it today, I'm watching the way the pitcher tries to manipulate the ball to get the batter out." "Baseball is a great game, it's a great sport. It might be too slow for some people, but I'll watch it or listen to it on the radio anytime. I'm hoping they can resolve the issues and that they won't have a work stopage.

Mr. Blue was scheduled to sign autographs for the second and third inning, but out of kindness he signed much longer than that. Fans were limited to 1 item per person, but my wife and I were each able to get in line twice. I got a 1970 Topps and a baseball Legends card signed for myself, a card signed for a friend, and Mike Thompson, a pitcher for Fort Wayne that I'd been talking to before the game, gave me a ball and asked me to get a signature for him too. I did. It's quite a tribute to any ballplayer that the young kids that are playing professionally now for Fort Wayne and Burlington still remember his accomplishments and make an effort to get his autograph. Fort Wayne's bus driver was in line too, getting baseballs signed for other Fort Wayne players. It's nice to see the young ball players in the Midwest League having an interest in baseball history and accomplishments of past players. Too often today's ball players know little of their predecessors.

Doing The Drew

Sorry about that. It's a catchy title from a crappy pop commercial. Thursday night, June 26th, my baseball buddy Tom Best and I drove to Peoria. J.D. Drew was scheduled to rehab with the Chiefs for 2 to 3 days. We got there early and wisely so, as we were able to claim a spot at the fence along the third baseline. Both of us were able to net a signature of his. I had him sign his Arkansas Traveler Minor League card. Unlike the well ordered set-up in Burlington on Friday, this was more reminescent of a Major League ballpark with lots of pushing and shoving. I saw 2 adults who should know better, having words with each other. Hey, if you don't get there early you really can't expect to have the autograph opportunity that someone will have whose gotten there and procured a good position to wait in. J.D. Drew went down the line signing for about 5 to 10 minutes before each game he was there. Getting an autograph from him was as much a factor of luck as position. I was lucky too.

Anyhow, until next article, have fun with the hobby. I sure do.

~ Rich Hanson