brian stoner says growing up vita was his role model. >> he throws balls, winding up and would throw a ball to us as kids. he would just throw it to us, he is a very nice guy. i would get his autograph, he was talk to us. >> he was a good man and good for the community and supported children's sports. he leaves a great legacy. >> he had his personal struggles and his career was derailed by substance abuse issues. >> he had his issues as many people do in life during the 80's he was involved in the cocaine scandals of baseball. but he never lost his humility, never lost his ability to lead and be a mentor. >> last year the a's honored him in the 1972 world series championship squad the year the a's beat the reds capturing the first pro sports championship in bay area history. vita blue making it happen. cornell barnard abc 7 news. >> former a's great dave stewart tweeted vita blue rest in peace my mentor, hero and friend. i remember watching a 19-year-old phenomenon dominate baseball and at the same time alter my life, there are no words for what you have meant to me and so many other

brian stoner says growing up vida was his role model. >> he throws balls, the outfield, throw a ball to us. as us. very nice guy. always talk to us. >> really good for the community. supported children's sports. yeah, the guy, he leaves a great legacy. reporter: his career was derailed by substance abuse issues. >> he had his issues, as many people do in life, during the 1980's. he was involved in the cocaine scandals in baseball. but vida never lost his humility, never lost his ability to lead and to be a mentor. reporter: last year the a's honored blue in the 1972 world series championship squad, the year the a's beat the reds, capturing the first pro sports championship in bay area history. vida blue making had tap. cornell bernard, abc 7 news. reggie: record revenue, despite controversies earlier this year, live nation is reporting huge success. kumasi: and you're looking live at the big board, the new york stock exchange, up about 25 minutes. reggie: a key player hoping to get back on the court for the playoffs, andre iguodala getting back to team practice nearly two months afte