Even some longtime Reds fans have forgotten over time about the big one that got away from wearing a Cincinnati uniform — Vida Blue.
That’s right, Vida Blue.
In one of his final moves as the Reds General Manager, Bob Howsam traded for the star lefthanded pitcher of the Oakland A’s in December of 1977. Reds fans were ecstatic. Imagine, for a moment, having both Tom Seaver and Vida Blue in your starting rotation.
To get Vida Blue, Howsam traded Triple A first baseman Dave Revering and forked over $1.75 million in cash to the A’s and owner Charlie Finley.