SummaryThe Toronto Blue Jays are a part of the Eastern Division of the American league. They are based in Toronto in Canada, and are currently the only team in MLB to be based outside the United States. Despite having a relatively short history, the team has still enjoyed major success. The Jays can boast five East Division titles, two of which led to the aforementioned World Series victories.
History
The Beginning
The Blue Jays played their first game on April 7, 1977, against the Chicago White Sox, before a home crowd of 44,649 where Toronto won 9-5. Unfortunately, that win would be one of the rare wins the Blue Jays would receive that year as they finished last place in the American League East with a record of 54-107. In 1978 and 1979, the team met a similar fate as they finished last again. In 1980, they hired Bobby Mattick to be manager and in his first season as manager, although they remained at the bottom, Toronto almost reached the 70-win mark, finishing with a record of 67-95, a 14-win improvement.
1980s
Under new manager Bobby Cox, Toronto's first solid season came in 1982 as they finished 78-84. In 1983, the Blue Jays compiled their first winning record, 89-73, finishing in fourth place. The Blue Jays' progress continued in 1984, finishing with the same 89-73 record, but this time in a distant second place. In 1985, Toronto won their first championship of any sort: the first of their five American League East division titles. They finished 99-62 and ended up facing the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series, but lost the series and their hope of a World Series. In 1987, the Blue Jays finished with a 96-66 record, second best in the major leagues, but to no avail.
In 1988, however, Toronto could not duplicate the successes of the previous season, tying the Milwaukee Brewers for third in the division at 87-75.
World Series Era
In 1989, the Blue Jays' new retractable roofed home, SkyDome, opened in the mid-season. It also marked the beginning of an extremely successful five-year period for the team. After the 1991 season had ended, the Blue Jays acquired pitcher Jack Morris, who had led the Minnesota Twins to victory in the World Series. The 1992 regular season went well, as the Jays clinched their second straight AL East crown with a final record of 96-66. The Blue Jays would go on to win the World Series against the Atlanta Braves becoming the first team based outside of the United States to win the World Series. IN 1993 The Blue Jays cruised to a 95-67 record, one less win than 1992 and seven games ahead of the New York Yankees, winning their third straight division title. Then later on the win a consecutive world series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Aftermath
In the 1995 season, the Blue Jays proved that they had lost their contending swagger of the past 12 years. 1996 was another mediocre year for the Blue Jays. The next couple years that followed proved to be pretty mediocre while the Blue Jays continued to trade players in hopes of finding the right formula that’ll take them to the World Series again.
The Playing Ground
The Blue Jays played their first home games at the Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. In 1989, they moved to the SkyDome. In 2004, it was renamed Rogers Centers after Rogers Communications became the owners.
Hall of Famers
Rickey Henderson
Paul Molitor
Phil Niekro
Dave Winfield
Most Valuable Player
1987 - George Bell
American League Cy Young
1996 - Pat Hentgen
1997 - Roger Clemens
1998 - Roger Clemens
2003 - Roy Halladay
Edgar Martinez Award
1992 - Dave Winfield
1993 - Paul Molitor
Rookie of the Year
1979 - Alfredo Griffin
2002 - Eric Hinske
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