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Introduction to the Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) American League East division. The Blue Jays were founded in 1977 and have won two World Series championships, in 1992 and 1993. The team plays their home games at the Rogers Centre, formerly known as the SkyDome, which is located in downtown Toronto. The Blue Jays are one of two MLB teams based in Canada, with the other being the Montreal Expos, now known as the Washington Nationals.
History of the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were founded in 1977 as an expansion team alongside the Seattle Mariners. The team was owned by Labatt Brewing Company and was the first Major League Baseball team to be based outside the United States. The Blue Jays began play in the 1977 season and quickly made their mark on the American League. The team’s first game was on April 7, 1977 against the Chicago White Sox, and the Blue Jays won 9-5.
In their first season, the Blue Jays finished with a 54-107 record and quickly became the laughingstock of the league. However, the team quickly turned things around, and in the 1980s, the Blue Jays were one of the most successful teams in the American League. Led by stars like Dave Stieb, George Bell, and Jesse Barfield, the Blue Jays won their first division title in 1985 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
The Blue Jays’ Dynasty Years
The Blue Jays’ success continued in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the team won five consecutive division titles from 1985-1989. The team also made it to the ALCS in 1989 and 1991, and in 1992, they went all the way to the World Series and defeated the Atlanta Braves to win their first championship in franchise history.
The following year, the Blue Jays once again made it to the World Series and faced the Philadelphia Phillies. Led by stars like Roberto Alomar, Joe Carter, and Paul Molitor, the Blue Jays defeated the Phillies in six games to win their second championship in as many years.
The Blue Jays After Their Dynasty Years
The Blue Jays’ success did not last, however, and the team failed to make the playoffs from 1993-2015. The team also faced financial difficulties, as the Canadian dollar was weak and the team’s payroll was one of the lowest in the league.
Despite their struggles, the Blue Jays still had some success during this period. In 2015, led by stars like Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, and Edwin Encarnacion, the Blue Jays made the playoffs for the first time in 22 years. The team went on to defeat the Texas Rangers in the ALDS and the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1993.
The Blue Jays in Recent Years
The Blue Jays have continued to have success in recent years. In 2016, the team made the playoffs for the second consecutive season and defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Game. The Blue Jays went on to lose the ALCS to the Cleveland Indians in five games.
The Blue Jays have also been active in the free agent market, signing stars like Troy Tulowitzki, Russell Martin, and J.A. Happ. The team has also acquired young talent through trades, such as Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, and Kevin Pillar.
The Blue Jays’ Rivalries
The Blue Jays have several rivalries, the most notable of which is with the New York Yankees. The two teams have met in the postseason multiple times, including in the 2015 and 2016 ALCS.
The Blue Jays also have a rivalry with the Boston Red Sox, as the two teams are both located in the American League East division. The Blue Jays and Red Sox have faced off in the postseason multiple times, most notably in the 1993 ALCS, which the Blue Jays won in six games.
The Blue Jays also have a rivalry with the Baltimore Orioles, as they are both located in the same division. The two teams have faced off in the postseason multiple times, including in the 2016 Wild Card Game, which the Blue Jays won.
Famous Players of the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have had several star players throughout their history. Some of the most notable include:
Dave Stieb
Dave Stieb was a pitcher for the Blue Jays from 1979-1992 and is widely considered to be the greatest pitcher in franchise history. Stieb was a seven-time all-star and won the Cy Young Award in 1985. He also holds the record for most wins in franchise history with 175.
Roberto Alomar
Roberto Alomar was a second baseman for the Blue Jays from 1991-1995 and is widely considered to be one of the best players in franchise history. Alomar was a ten-time all-star, won four Gold Gloves, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also a key member of the Blue Jays’ World Series-winning teams in 1992 and 1993.
Joe Carter
Joe Carter was an outfielder and designated hitter for the Blue Jays from 1991-1997 and is best known for hitting the walk-off home run in the 1993 World Series. Carter was a five-time all-star, won three Silver Slugger Awards, and was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Vernon Wells
Vernon Wells was an outfielder for the Blue Jays from 1999-2010 and is widely considered to be one of the best players in franchise history. Wells was a three-time all-star, won three Gold Gloves, and was inducted into the Blue Jays Level of Excellence in 2016.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Future
The Blue Jays have been one of the most successful teams in the American League in recent years, and they look to continue their success in the future. The team has a strong core of young players and has been active in the free agent market, signing players like Hyun-Jin Ryu, Tanner Roark, and Nate Pearson.
The Blue Jays also have one of the best farm systems in baseball, with several young prospects such as Nate Pearson, Alek Manoah, and Jordan Groshans. The team also has one of the best managers in baseball in Charlie Montoyo, who led the team to the playoffs in 2019.
Conclusion
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The team was founded in 1977 and has won two World Series championships, in 1992 and 1993. The Blue Jays have had success in recent years, making the playoffs in 2015, 2016, and 2019. The team has a strong core of young players and looks to continue their success in the future.