H.B. “Spec” Richardson, who oversaw a rough time in Giants history as former owner Bob Lurie’s first general manager, died at his home of natural causes in Columbus, Ga., Tuesday. He was 93.
Mr. Richardson was the Giants’ GM from 1976 to 1981, all forgettable seasons except for 1978, the year he was named Executive of the Year after acquiring Vida Blue from the A’s.
Mr. Richardson sent seven players to the A’s for Blue, who started the ’78 All-Star Game, and the Giants were in first place most of the summer before finishing third in the National League West at 89-73.