| On
August 16, 2008, 3x World Series Champions and A's Legends Rollie Fingers and
Vida Blue made a special in-store appearance at Sports Gallery's Walnut
Creek, CA Gallery.
Rollie
Fingers'
17-year career epitomized the emergence of the modern-day relief ace. After watching
him post inconsistent results as a starter, the A's moved Fingers to the bullpen.
He excelled quickly and frequently in his new role. Relying on a sharp slider,
Fingers went on to notch 341 career saves. Known for his handlebar mustache, Fingers
became a familiar site during the post-season, appearing in 16 World Series games.
Along with his three World Series Championships ('72, '73 and '74) and '74 World
Series MVP Award, Rollie also won on both the American League MVP and Cy Young
Award with the Brewers in 1981. His number #34 retired by both the A's and Brewers,
Rollie was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Vida Blue signed with the Oakland Athletics at age 19 instead of accepting
numerous scholarship offers to become a major-college quarterback. He went on
to have a stellar MLB pitching career, including being named an All-Star in 1971,
'75, '78, and '81; leading the League in ERA in '71; and being named the League
MVP that same year. A Three-time World Series Champion, Blue pitched with both
the Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants during his career, making him that rare
sports figure that is equally popular on both sides of San Francisco Bay. |