The Toronto Blue Jays came into existence in 1976; they played and won their first game against the Chicago White Sox 9-5. However, the ensuing years were not filled with as much success. In 1978 and 1979, the Blue Jays saw the loss column consistently fall above the 100 mark.
In 1989, the SkyDome was opened, the new home of the Toronto Blue Jays. The stadium featured a retractable roof. In addition to the opening of a new stadium, the Jays also named hitting coach Cito Gaston manager. In 1990, the team acquired Joe Carter, who turned out to give Toronto a nice boost in 1992 and especially 1993. He is the only player in the history of baseball to hit a World Series clinching walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. Blue Jays broadcaster will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and excitement when the ball left the park:
"A swing, and a belt! Left field! Way back! Blue Jays win it! The Blue Jays are World Series champions as Joe Carter hits a three-run home run in the ninth inning and the Blue Jays have repeated as World Series Champions! Touch 'em all, Joe, you'll never hit a bigger home run in your life!"
The 1994 and 1995 seasons returned Toronto to its early days of losing. A highlight of the mediocre season of 1996 was Pat Hentgenís earning of one of the most prestigious accolades in baseball: the Cy Young Award. The 1997 season looked promising- the Blue Jays changed their uniforms to reflect a modern look.
Perhaps, the biggest highlight of the season was the acquisition of all-time great Roger Clemens for only $25 million. What a steal! In that season Clemens earned the Triple Crown, leading the AL with a 21-7 record, 292 strikeouts, and a 2.05 ERA. With Clemens efforts the Blue Jays still came up short, finishing in last place with a 76-86 record.
The following years remain as mediocre for the franchise. In 2008 the
Blue Jays finished 86-75 (their third consecutive winning season).
Approaching 2009 Toronto recently acquired pitchers Jason Frasor, Jeremy Accardo, and infielder Jose Bautista to one year deals. Star pitcher Roy Halladay will be back in full effect along with Alex Rios and Vernon Wells to try and improve Toronto's standings in the AL East. They will miss A.J. Burnett who recently signed a five-year $82 million contract with the New York Yankees.
The Blue Jays have a hard season ahead as the AL East is one of the best divisions in baseball with the Sox, Yankees, and Rays all fighting for the title. In order to have a winning season players will need to step up along with Halladay, Rios, and Wells. If they are able to stay healthy and consistent, Toronto might just be able to fight for a higher place in the AL East standings.
In last night’s 12-0 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, only two usual starters took the field last night at Fenway Park. Tim Wakefield allowed five runs on seven hits over three innings for his final regular season outing. “I don’t want to give up on the team, regardless if I’m 60 percent. I feel [...]
The Boston Red Sox almost pulled ahead of Toronto late in the ninth inning last night, but closer Jason Frasor had the final say and shut the door for the Blue Jays to win 8-7. The Red Sox have lost five straight but were still able to stumble across the Wild Card spot following a [...]
Due to last minute back spasms, Red Sox ace pitcher Josh Beckett was scratched from the starting lineup last night against the Toronto Blue Jays which resulting in manager Terry Francona to call on youngster Michael Bowden. After being notified that day, Bowden looked shell shocked as the Jays teed him up for seven runs [...]
