For current information on this topic, see 2008 Toronto Blue Jays season

Toronto Blue Jays Established 1977
Team Logo Cap Insignia
Major league affiliations
American League (1977–present) East Division (1977–present)
Current uniform
Retired Numbers	42
Name
Toronto Blue Jays (1977–present)
Other nicknames
The Jays
Ballpark
Rogers Centre (1989–present) Formerly named SkyDome (1989-2005) Exhibition Stadium (1977-1989)
Major league titles
World Series titles (2)	1992 • 1993
AL Pennants (2)	1992 • 1993
East Division titles (5)	1985 • 1989 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993
Wild card berths (0)	None
Owner(s): Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership, a division of Rogers Communications (Ted Rogers)
Manager: John Gibbons
General Manager: J. P. Ricciardi
President of Baseball Operations: Paul Godfrey

The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world Toronto (təˈrɒntoʊ colloquially pronounced or) is the largest city in Canada and is the provincial capital of Ontario Ontario (ɒnˈtɛrioʊ is a province located in the central part of Canada, the largest by population and second largest after Quebec Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in

The "Blue Jays" name originates from the bird of the same name. The Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristata) is a Passerine bird and a member of the family Corvidae native to North America. They are nicknamed "the Jays", which is featured on the team's logo and on the front of the home uniform. Baseball nicknames have become an integral part of the sport's culture "In no sport are nicknames more pervasive than baseball

An expansion franchise, the club was founded in Toronto, in 1977. The following is a list of teams that play in one of the seven major sports leagues in North America: Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2 Reggie Jackson, Originally based at Exhibition Stadium, the team moved to the SkyDome in 1989. Canadian National Exhibition Stadium (commonly known as Exhibition Stadium, CNE Stadium or The Ex) was a Multi-purpose stadium that formerly SkyDome redirects here for other uses see SkyDome (disambiguation In 2004, the SkyDome was bought by Rogers Communications who renamed the venue to Rogers Centre. Rogers Communications Inc (,) is one of Canada's largest communications companies particularly in the field of wireless communications and Cable television, with additional SkyDome redirects here for other uses see SkyDome (disambiguation They are the first and only team outside the United States to win a World Series, the first team to win a World Series in Canada, and the fastest AL expansion franchise to win a World Series (winning in their 16th year, beating the Kansas City Royals' record by one year). The United States of America —commonly referred to as the For other events named "World Series" see World Series (disambiguation. The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. With the fellow Canadian franchise Montreal Expos moving to Washington, D.C. after the 2004 season, and becoming the Washington Nationals, the Blue Jays are currently the only MLB team outside the U. Franchise history Creation of the franchise In 1960 Montreal lost its International League team the Montreal Royals (an affiliate of Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Headline events of the year The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since, ending the Curse of the Bambino. The Washington Nationals is an American professional baseball team based in Washington D S.

Contents 1 Franchise history 1.1 1977–1994: The Pat Gillick era 1.1.1 1977–1981 1.1.2 1982–1988 1.1.3 1989–1991 1.1.4 1992–1993: World Series Champions 1.1.5 1994 season 1.2 1995–2001: The Gord Ash era 1.3 2002–present: The J.P. Ricciardi era 1.3.1 2002 season 1.3.2 2003 season 1.3.3 2004 season 1.3.4 2005 season 1.3.5 2006 season 1.3.6 2007 season 1.3.7 2008 season 2 Quick facts 3 Current roster 4 Baseball Hall of Famers 5 Minor league affiliations 6 Franchise records 6.1 Season records 7 Season by season record 8 Retired numbers 8.1 Level of Excellence 9 Radio and television 10 See also 11 References 12 External links

Franchise history

The Toronto Blue Jays came into existence in 1976 as one of two teams slated to join the American League for the next season (the other being the Seattle Mariners). The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States. Toronto had been mentioned as a potential major league city as early as the 1880s, and had been home to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League from 1896 to 1967. The Toronto Maple Leafs were a high-level Minor league baseball club located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that played from 1896 to 1967 The International League ( IL) is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the eastern United States. The San Francisco Giants were considering a move to the city^[1] until the team was purchased by Bob Lurie in 1976. The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in, that currently play in the National League West Division. Robert Alfred Lurie (born 1929 is a real estate magnate and former owner of the San Francisco Giants franchise of Major League Baseball from March 2, However, the Giants' abortive bid was enough that the city renovated Exhibition Stadium, home of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, to accommodate baseball. Canadian National Exhibition Stadium (commonly known as Exhibition Stadium, CNE Stadium or The Ex) was a Multi-purpose stadium that formerly The Canadian Football League (CFL ( Ligue canadienne de football (LCF in The Toronto Argonauts are a Canadian Football League team based in Toronto, Ontario.

The franchise was originally owned by Labatt Breweries, with Imperial Trust and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as minority owners. Labatt Brewing Company Ltd is a Canadian beer company founded by John Kinder Labatt in 1847 in London Ontario. The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce () better known to most customers as CIBC, is one of Canada 's major Banks CIBC is classified as a Domestic The name "Blue Jays" came about when the team held a "name the team" contest. "Blue Jays" was one of the choices and was chosen by majority owners Labatt Breweries because "Labatt's Blue" was (and still is) its main brand of beer. Labatt Breweries hoped that the team name would be shortened to "Blues" in popular parlance, thus achieving crossover free advertising. Its hopes were dashed when the fans of Toronto almost immediately started referring to the team as the "Jays. " It was very likely that the new team would have worn blue in any case; blue has been Toronto's traditional sporting colour since the Toronto Argonauts adopted blue as its primary colour in 1873.

The franchise's first employee was Paul Beeston, who began work in 1976 as the vice president of business operations. Paul McGill Beeston, CM (born June 20 1945) is the former president of Major League Baseball and former president of the Toronto Blue Jays Beeston would later serve as president of the Blue Jays and MLB. Before the team's inaugural season in 1977, Peter Bavasi was chosen as the general manager, and Pat Gillick was assistant general manager. Peter Bavasi (born in Bronxville New York in 1942 was the farm director for the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1972 In Major League Baseball, the General Manager or GM of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub Pat Gillick (born August 22, 1937) is the current general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

1977–1994: The Pat Gillick era

1977–1981

The Blue Jays played their first game on April 7, 1977, at home, and against the Chicago White Sox. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays The Chicago White Sox are a professional Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They won the snowy affair 9–5, led by Doug Ault's two home runs. Douglas Reagan Ault ( March 9, 1950 – December 22, 2004) was a Major League Baseball First baseman / Designated hitter That win would be one of only 54 of the 1977 season, as the Blue Jays finished in last place in the AL East, with a record of 54–107. In sports the last place team is the team with the worst record in the league or division. After the season, Gillick became general manager of the team, a position he would hold until 1994.

In 1978, the team improved their record by four and a half games, but remained last with a record of 59–103. In 1979, after a 53–109 last place finish, shortstop Alfredo Griffin was named American League co-Rookie of the Year. Alfredo Claudino Griffin (born October 6 1957 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) was a Major League Baseball (MLB player from 1976 to 1993 In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is given annually to one player from each league as voted upon by the Baseball Writers Association of America In addition, the Blue Jays' first mascot, BJ Birdie, made its debut in 1979. This is a list of current and former Major League Baseball Mascots sorted alphabetically

In 1980, Bobby Mattick became manager, succeeding Roy Hartsfield, the Blue Jays' original manager. Robert James "Bobby" Mattick ( December 5, 1915 - December 16, 2004) was a Shortstop, manager and scout Roy Thomas Hartsfield (born October 25, 1925 in Chattahoochee, Georgia) was a Second baseman and manager in Major In Mattick's 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 on 1979. Jim Clancy led with 13 wins and John Mayberry became the first Jay to hit 30 home runs in a season. James Clancy (born December 18, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who John Claiborn Mayberry (born February 18, 1949, in Detroit Michigan) is a 1967 graduate of Northwestern High School, and former

In the strike-divided season of 1981, the Blue Jays finished in last place in the American League East in both halves of the season. They were a dismal 16–42 in the first half, but improved dramatically, finishing the 48-game second half at 21–27, for a combined record of 37–69.

1982–1988

Under new manager Bobby Cox, Toronto's first solid season came in 1982 as they finished 78–84. Robert Joe "Bobby" Cox (born May 21 1941 in Tulsa Oklahoma) is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves, and a former Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Their pitching staff was led by starters Dave Stieb, Jim Clancy and Luis Leal, and the outfield featured a young Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield. David Andrew Stieb (born July 22, 1957) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. James Clancy (born December 18, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who Luis Leal (born March 21, 1957) born Luis Enrique Leal Alvarado, is a former right-handed Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball Lloyd Anthony Moseby (born November 5, 1959 in Portland Arkansas) was a Major League Baseball player Jesse Lee Barfield (born October 29, 1959 in Joliet Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball Right fielder who played for the 1982 was also the Blue Jays first season outside the bottom, as they finished sixth in the East out of seven teams.

In 1983, the Blue Jays compiled their first winning record, 89–73, finishing in fourth place, 9 games behind the eventual World Series champions, the Baltimore Orioles. For other events named "World Series" see World Series (disambiguation. The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland. First baseman Willie Upshaw became the first Blue Jay to have at least 100 RBIs in a season. Willie Clay Upshaw (born April 27 1957 in Blanco Texas) is a former First baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the

The Blue Jays' progress continued in 1984, finishing with the same 89–73 record, but this time in a distant second place behind another World Series champion, the Detroit Tigers. The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan, USA After 1984, Alfredo Griffin went to the Oakland Athletics, thus giving a permanent spot to young Dominican shortstop Tony Fernández, who would become a fan favourite for many years. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. Octavio Antonio Fernández Castro (born June 30, 1962 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic) better known as Tony Fernández

In 1985, Toronto won their first championship of any sort: The first of their five American League East division titles. The Blue Jays featured strong pitching and a balanced offense. Their mid-season call up of relief pitcher Tom Henke also proved to be important. Thomas Anthony (Tom Henke (born December 21, 1957 in Kansas City Missouri) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher They finished 99–62 (the franchise record for most wins), two games in front of the New York Yankees. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. The Blue Jays faced the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), and took a 3 games to 1 lead. The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The American League Championship Series was played between the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 8 to October 16 However, Kansas City won three consecutive games to win the series 4 games to 3, on their way to their first, and only, World Series championship.

With Jimy Williams now the skipper, The Blue Jays could not duplicate their success in 1986, sliding to a fourth-place tie at 86–76. James Francis "Jimy" Williams (born October 4, 1943 in Santa Maria California) is the current Bench coach for the Philadelphia Jesse Barfield and George Bell led the way with 40 and 31 home runs respectively and Jimmy Key and Jim Clancy tied for the team wins lead with 14 each. Jesse Lee Barfield (born October 29, 1959 in Joliet Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball Right fielder who played for the Jorge (George Antonio Bell Mathey (born October 21, 1959, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) is a former Left fielder and James Edward "Jimmy" Key (born April 22, 1961 in Huntsville Alabama) is a former left-handed starting Pitcher in Major League Jim Clancy may refer to Jim Clancy (baseball (b1955 former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Clancy (chorusmaster, director of

In 1987, the Blue Jays lost a thrilling division race to the Detroit Tigers by two games, after being swept on the last weekend of the season by the Tigers. The Blue Jays finished with a 96–66 record, second best in the major leagues, but to no avail. However, George Bell was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League, the first and only Blue Jay to be named so. Jorge (George Antonio Bell Mathey (born October 21, 1959, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) is a former Left fielder and The Most Valuable Player Award (commonly known as the MVP award is an annual award given to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in

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. The Milwaukee Brewers are a Major League Baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which plays in the Central Division of the National League Still, the season had numerous highlights. First baseman Fred McGriff hit 34 home runs, and Dave Stieb had back-to-back starts in which he lost a no-hitter with two out in the ninth inning. Frederick Stanley "Crime Dog" McGriff (born October 31, 1963 in Tampa Florida) is a former left-handed Major League Baseball player In Baseball, a no-hitter (also known as a no-hit game, or colloquially a no-no) refers to a game in which one of the teams prevented the other from getting

1989–1991

In 1989, the Blue Jays' new retractable roofed home, SkyDome, opened in the middle of the season. A retractable roof is a kinetic architectural element used in many sports venues in which a roof made of a suitable material can readily be mechanically deployed from some SkyDome redirects here for other uses see SkyDome (disambiguation It also marked the start of an extremely successful five-year period for Toronto. In May, management fired manager Jimy Williams and replaced him with hitting instructor Cito Gaston. James Francis "Jimy" Williams (born October 4, 1943 in Santa Maria California) is the current Bench coach for the Philadelphia Clarence Edwin "Cito" Gaston (ˈsiɾoʊ̪ ˈɡæstən born March 17, 1944 in San Antonio, Texas) is the manager of the The club had a 12–24 record at the time of the firing, but recorded a 77–49 record under Gaston to win the American League East by two games. George Bell's walk-off home run, off Bobby Thigpen, marked the end of the Exhibition Stadium era. Robert (Bobby Thomas Thigpen (born July 17, 1963 in Tallahassee Florida) is a former Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. The first game at the new stadium took place on June 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers. Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem The Jays lost 5–3. In the 1989 American League Championship Series, Rickey Henderson led the Oakland Athletics to a 4–1 series win. The American League Championship Series was played between the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 3 to October 8 Rickey Henley Henderson (born as Rickey Nelson Henley, December 25 1958 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California.

In 1990, the Blue Jays again had a strong season, but finished in second place, two games behind the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. Dave Stieb pitched his first and only no-hitter, beating the Cleveland Indians 3–0 in front of a small crowd at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Cleveland Stadium (also known as Lakefront Stadium and Cleveland Municipal Stadium) was a Baseball and American football stadium located in That is also, as of 2008, the only no-hitter ever pitched by a Toronto Blue Jay pitcher. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common During the offseason, the Blue Jays made one of the two biggest trades in franchise history, sending shortstop Tony Fernández and first baseman Fred McGriff to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Joe Carter and second baseman Roberto Alomar. Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and Third base. Octavio Antonio Fernández Castro (born June 30, 1962 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic) better known as Tony Fernández First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a Baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run Frederick Stanley "Crime Dog" McGriff (born October 31, 1963 in Tampa Florida) is a former left-handed Major League Baseball player The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego California since their founding in 1969 Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in Baseball farthest from the batter Joseph Christopher Carter (born March 7 1960 in Oklahoma City Oklahoma) is a former Right fielder in Major League Baseball who played Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a Baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that Roberto Alomar Velázquez (born February 5 1968 in Ponce, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player (- considered by many to be one of the The Jays also traded for center fielder Devon White. Devon Markes White, aka "Devo", (born December 29 1962 in Kingston Jamaica) is a former Major League Baseball center fielder

Carter, Alomar and White would prove to be effective additions, as the Blue Jays again won the division in 1991, as Carter drove in the division winning run. Once again, however, they fell short in the postseason, losing to the Minnesota Twins, who were on their way to their second World Series victory in five seasons, in the ALCS. The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For other events named "World Series" see World Series (disambiguation. The 1991 American League Championship Series was played between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 8 to In 1991, the Blue Jays became the first Major League club ever to draw over four million fans in one season.

• Team record 1989: 89 wins - 73 losses, W%- 0. 549
• Team record 1990: 86 wins - 76 losses, W%- 0. 531, 2 games behind Division Leader
• Team record 1991: 91 wins - 71 losses, W%- 0. 562

1992–1993: World Series Champions

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 by pitching a 10-inning complete game shutout in Game 7 and had been named the World Series MVP. John Scott "Jack" Morris (born May 16, 1955, in St Paul Minnesota) is a former Major League Baseball right-handed Starting pitcher The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In Baseball, a complete game (denoted by CG) is the act of a Pitcher pitching an entire game himself without the benefit of a Relief pitcher In team sports in American English a shutout (a clean sheet in Soccer) refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player. To add veteran leadership to their explosive offense, Toronto signed future Hall of Famer Dave Winfield to be the team's designated hitter. David Mark Winfield (born October 3 1951 in St Paul, Minnesota) is an American former Major League Baseball player who is a member of both the Baseball

The 1992 regular season went well, as the Jays clinched their second straight AL East crown with a final record of 96–66, four games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Milwaukee Brewers are a Major League Baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which plays in the Central Division of the National League They also went the entire season without being swept in any series. The Blue Jays met the Oakland Athletics in the ALCS, winning 4 games to 2. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. The American League Championship Series was played between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Oakland Athletics from October 7 to October 14 The pivotal game of the series was Game 4, considered by many to be one of the most important games in Blue Jays history: the Blue Jays rallied back from a 6–1 deficit after seven innings, capped off by Roberto Alomar's huge game-tying 2-run homer off Hall of Fame A's closer Dennis Eckersley in the top of the ninth. Roberto Alomar Velázquez (born February 5 1968 in Ponce, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player (- considered by many to be one of the In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out Dennis Lee Eckersley (born October 3 1954 nicknamed "Eck" is a former American Major League Baseball player This paved the way for a 7–6 victory in 11 innings, a 3 games to 1 lead in the series and an eventual 4–2 ALCS series win.

The Blue Jays then faced the Atlanta Braves in the World Series. The 1992 World Series was the first Series ever played outside of the United States of America. The pivotal game in this series turned out to be Game 2, in which reserve player Ed Sprague hit a 9th-inning 2-run home run off Braves closer Jeff Reardon to give the Blue Jays a 5–4 lead, which would hold up. Edward Nelson Sprague Jr (born July 25 1967 in Castro Valley California) is a former Major League Baseball Third baseman. Jeffrey James Reardon (born October 1 1955 in Dalton Massachusetts) nicknamed " The Terminator " is a former Relief pitcher After winning Game 3 thanks to Candy Maldonado's ninth inning RBI hit and Game 4 due to Jimmy Key's superb 7 1/3 inning pitching effort in which he retired 15 straight batters (five innings), the Jays could not win the Series on home turf as the Braves struck back with a 7–2 win in Game 5. Game 6 in Atlanta, with the Blue Jays leading 3 games to 2, was a very close game. Toronto was one strike away from winning in the bottom of the 9th inning, 2–1^[2], but Otis Nixon singled in the tying run off the Blue Jays' closer Tom Henke. Otis Junior Nixon Jr (born January 9, 1959 in Evergreen North Carolina) is a former Major League Baseball player Thomas Anthony (Tom Henke (born December 21, 1957 in Kansas City Missouri) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher It was the first run the Toronto bullpen had given up in the series. The game was decided in the 11th inning, when Dave Winfield doubled down the left-field line, driving in two runs. David Mark Winfield (born October 3 1951 in St Paul, Minnesota) is an American former Major League Baseball player who is a member of both the Baseball The Braves would again come within one run in the bottom of the 11th, but Jays reliever Mike Timlin fielded Otis Nixon's bunt, throwing to Joe Carter at first base for the final out. Michael August Timlin (ˈtɪmlɪn born March 10 1966 in Midland Texas) is a Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox Otis Junior Nixon Jr (born January 9, 1959 in Evergreen North Carolina) is a former Major League Baseball player The Blue Jays became the first team based outside of the United States to win the World Series. Pat Borders, the Jays' catcher, was the unlikely player who was named MVP after hitting . Patrick Lance Borders (born May 14, 1963 in Columbus, Ohio) was a Catcher in Major League Baseball who is best remembered 450 with one home run in the World Series. Oddly, Morris was acquired in large part for his reputation as a clutch postseason pitcher, but he went 0–3 in the playoffs. Morris, however, pitched well in the regular season, becoming the Blue Jays' first 20-game winner, with a record of 21–6 and an ERA of 4. 04.

After the 1992 season, the Blue Jays let World Series hero Dave Winfield and longtime closer Tom Henke go but signed two key free agents: designated hitter Paul Molitor from the Milwaukee Brewers and perennial playoff success Dave Stewart from the Oakland Athletics. David Mark Winfield (born October 3 1951 in St Paul, Minnesota) is an American former Major League Baseball player who is a member of both the Baseball Thomas Anthony (Tom Henke (born December 21, 1957 in Kansas City Missouri) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher Paul Leo Molitor (nicknamed Molly or The Ignitor) (born August 22 1956 in Vadnais Heights Minnesota) is a former American Baseball player David Keith Stewart (born February 19 1957 in Oakland California) is a former right-handed starting Pitcher in Major League Baseball

In 1993, the Blue Jays had seven All-Stars: outfielders Devon White and Joe Carter, infielders John Olerud and Roberto Alomar, designated hitter Molitor, plus starting pitcher Pat Hentgen, and closer Duane Ward. John Garrett Olerud (ˈoʊlɚˌud born August 5, 1968; nicknamed Big Rude, and Johnny O') is a former American First baseman in Patrick George Hentgen (born November 13, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former Major League Baseball player Roy Duane Ward (born May 28, 1964 in Park View, New Mexico) was a Major League Baseball reliever during the late 1980s In August, the Jays acquired former nemesis Rickey Henderson from the Athletics. Rickey Henley Henderson (born as Rickey Nelson Henley, December 25 1958 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder The Blue Jays cruised to a 95–67 record, seven games ahead of the New York Yankees, winning their third straight division title. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. The Jays beat the Chicago White Sox 4 games to 2 in the ALCS, and then the Philadelphia Phillies, 4 games to 2, for their second straight World Series victory. The Chicago White Sox are a professional Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The 1993 World Series was the second Series in a row played outside the United States of America and the second to be won outside the USA The World Series featured several exciting games, including Game 4, played under a slight rain, in which the Blue Jays came back from a 14–9 deficit to win 15–14 and take a 3 games to 1 lead in the series. It remains the highest scoring game in World Series history. Game 6 in Toronto saw the Blue Jays lead 5–1, but give up 5 runs in the 7th inning to trail 6–5. In the bottom of the 9th inning Joe Carter hit a one-out, three-run walk-off home run to clinch the series, off Phillies closer Mitch Williams. Mitch Williams redirects here For the fictional character please see Mitch Williams (General Hospital. This is the only time in the history of Major League Baseball that a team hit a walk-off home run while trailing in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the World Series. The home run is also memorable for late Blue Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek's call:

"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!" (Listen to Tom Cheek's historic call)

In the regular season, three Blue Jays - John Olerud, Paul Molitor and Roberto Alomar - finished 1-2-3 for the AL batting crown. Thomas F Cheek ( June 13 1939 - October 9 2005) was an American -born broadcaster Batting average is a Statistic in both Cricket and Baseball measuring the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters, respectively

• Team record 1992: 96 wins - 66 losses, W%- 0. 593
• Team record 1993: 95 wins - 67 losses, W%- 0. 586

1994 season

Expectations were high for the Blue Jays for the 1994 season, following back-to-back championships, but they slumped to a 55–60 record and a third place finish (16 games back of the New York Yankees) before the players' strike. The 1994 Major League baseball strike was the eighth work stoppage in Baseball history as well as the fourth in-season work stoppage It was their first losing season since 1982. Joe Carter, Paul Molitor and John Olerud enjoyed good years at the plate, but the pitching fell off. Joseph Christopher Carter (born March 7 1960 in Oklahoma City Oklahoma) is a former Right fielder in Major League Baseball who played Paul Leo Molitor (nicknamed Molly or The Ignitor) (born August 22 1956 in Vadnais Heights Minnesota) is a former American Baseball player John Garrett Olerud (ˈoʊlɚˌud born August 5, 1968; nicknamed Big Rude, and Johnny O') is a former American First baseman in Juan Guzmán slumped considerably from his first three years (40–11, 3. Juan Andres Guzmán Correa (born October 28, 1966 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a former Pitcher in Major League Baseball 28 ERA), finishing 1994 at 12–11 with a 5. 68 ERA. Three young players, Alex S. Gonzalez, Carlos Delgado and Shawn Green, did show a lot of promise for the future. Alexander Scott Gonzalez (born April 8, 1973 in Miami, Florida) is a former Major League Baseball Shortstop and Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York Shawn David Green (born November 10, 1972 in Des Plaines Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball player

Labatt Breweries was bought by Belgian-based brewer Interbrew (now InBev), making the Blue Jays the second baseball team owned by interests outside of North America. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those For the proposed merged company see Proposed merger of Anheuser-Busch and InBev. Interestingly, the first was the Blue Jays' expansion cousins, the Mariners, owned by Nintendo. is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Kyoto Japan founded on

• Team record 1994: 55 wins - 60 losses, W%- 0. 478, 16 games behind Division Leader

1995–2001: The Gord Ash era

Before the 1995 season, Pat Gillick, the longtime Blue Jays general manager, resigned and handed the reins of the team to Toronto native Gord Ash, who would lead the team in its most tumultuous era yet. Gordon Ian Ash (born December 20, 1951 in Toronto, Ontario) is vice president and assistant general manager for the Milwaukee Brewers

In the 1995 season, the Blue Jays proved that they had lost their contending swagger of the past 12 years. Although they had most of the same cast of the World Series teams, the Blue Jays freefell to a dismal 56–88 record, last place in the AL East, 30 games behind the Boston Red Sox. In sports the last place team is the team with the worst record in the league or division. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. Attendance also tailed off dramatically during the 1995 season, and has never recovered since. During SkyDome's first four-plus seasons, Blue Jays tickets were among the toughest in all of baseball. While attendance suffered throughout the majors in the years immediately after the strike, the dropoff was especially pronounced for the Canadian teams, the Montreal Expos and Blue Jays.

1996 was another mediocre year for the Blue Jays, despite Pat Hentgen's Cy Young Award (20–10. Patrick George Hentgen (born November 13, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former Major League Baseball player In Baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best Pitcher in Major League Baseball (one each for American and National 3. 22 ERA). Ed Sprague had a career year, hitting 36 home runs and driving in 101 runs. Edward Nelson Sprague Jr (born July 25 1967 in Castro Valley California) is a former Major League Baseball Third baseman. However, their 74 wins did put them in 4th place, improving over their last place finish in 1995. They improved their record by 18 victories as they played the full 162 game schedule for the first time since 1993.

The Blue Jays started 1997 with high hopes. Not only did the Jays drastically change their uniforms, they signed former Boston Red Sox ace Roger Clemens to a $24,750,000 contract. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio) is an American Right-handed Pitcher in Major Clemens had one of the best pitching seasons ever as he won the pitcher's Triple Crown, leading the American League with a record of 21–7, a 2. For other uses of this term see Triple crown In Baseball, the Triple Crown refers to A batter who (at season's end leads 05 ERA and 292 strikeouts. This was not enough to lead the Blue Jays to the postseason, however, as they ended the year 76–86, with their second last place finish in three years. Cito Gaston, the longtime manager who led the team to 3 division titles and 2 World Series crowns, was fired five games before the end of the season. Clarence Edwin "Cito" Gaston (ˈsiɾoʊ̪ ˈɡæstən born March 17, 1944 in San Antonio, Texas) is the manager of the

Before the start of the 1998 season, the Blue Jays acquired closer Randy Myers and slugger José Canseco. Randall Kirk Myers (born September 19, 1962 in Vancouver Washington, U José Canseco y Capas Jr (born July 2, 1964 in Havana, Cuba) is a former Outfielder and Designated hitter in Major Gaston was replaced with Tim Johnson, a relative unknown but a former Blue Jay. Timothy Evald Johnson (born July 22, 1949 in Grand Forks, North Dakota) is a former player and manager in Major League Baseball Despite mediocre hitting, strong pitching led by Clemens' second straight pitching triple crown (20–6, 2. 65 ERA, 271 strikeouts) sparked the Blue Jays to an 88–74 record--their first winning record since 1993. However, this was only good enough to finish a distant third, 26 games behind the New York Yankees, who posted one of the greatest records in all of baseball history. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York.

Before the 1999 season, the Blue Jays traded Roger Clemens to the Yankees for starting pitcher David Wells, second baseman Homer Bush and relief pitcher Graeme Lloyd. William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio) is an American Right-handed Pitcher in Major David Lee Wells (born May 20, 1963 in Torrance California) is a former Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. Homer Giles Bush (born November 12, 1972 in East St Louis Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball Second baseman who played Graeme John Lloyd (born April 9, 1967 in Victoria, Australia) is a former Major League Baseball Pitcher who had a ten They also fired Tim Johnson during spring training, after Johnson lied about several things (including killing people in the Vietnam War) in order to motivate his players. The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, or the Vietnam Conflict, occurred in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia The Blue Jays had initially been willing to stand by Johnson. A blizzard of questions about his credibility during spring training, however, led Ash to fire him less than a month before opening day. Johnson was replaced with Jim Fregosi, who managed the Phillies when they lost to the Blue Jays in the 1993 World Series. James Louis Fregosi (born April 4 1942 in San Francisco California) is a former Shortstop and manager in Major League Baseball The 1993 World Series was the second Series in a row played outside the United States of America and the second to be won outside the USA The offense picked up somewhat in 1999, but the pitching suffered without Clemens, as the Blue Jays finished 84–78 in third place. After the 1999 season, the Blue Jays' original mascot for 20 years, BJ Birdie, was replaced by a duo named Ace & Diamond. This is a list of current and former Major League Baseball Mascots sorted alphabetically

On November 8, 1999, Toronto traded star outfielder Shawn Green to the Los Angeles Dodgers for left-handed relief pitcher Pedro Borbón and right-fielder Raúl Mondesí. Events 1519 - Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with great a Celebration Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Shawn David Green (born November 10, 1972 in Des Plaines Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball player The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles California, USA Pedro Felix Borbón Marte (born November 15, 1967 in Mao Dominican Republic) is a former Major League Baseball Pitcher. Raúl Ramón Mondesí Avelino (born March 12, 1971 in San Cristóbal Dominican Republic) is a former Major League Baseball player Green had told the Jays that he would not be re-signing when his contract was up at the end of the year (he wished to move to the west coast).

2000 proved to be a similar season, as the Jays had an 83–79 record, well out of the wild card race but only a slim 4. 5 games back of the three-time defending World Series Champion Yankees in the AL East, the first time since 1993 they had contended for the division. Carlos Delgado had a stellar year, hitting . Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York 344 with 41 home runs, 57 doubles, 137 RBI, 123 walks and 115 runs. In addition, six other players hit 20 or more home runs, an outstanding feat. José Cruz Jr., Raúl Mondesí, Tony Batista, Darrin Fletcher, Shannon Stewart, and Brad Fullmer all contributed to the powerful heart of the lineup. José Luis Cruz Jr (born April 19 1974 in Arroyo Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder who is currently a player in the Houston Astros Raúl Ramón Mondesí Avelino (born March 12, 1971 in San Cristóbal Dominican Republic) is a former Major League Baseball player Leocadio Francisco "Tony" Batista (born December 9, 1973 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) is an Infielder who is Darrin Glen Fletcher (born October 3 1966 in Elmhurst, Illinois) is a former Catcher in Major League Baseball who played Shannon Harold Stewart (born February 25, 1974 in Cincinnati Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Left fielder who is currently a Bradley Ryan Fullmer (born January 17, 1975 in) is a former Major League Baseball First baseman and Designated hitter.

On September 1, 2000, Rogers Communications Inc. Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Rogers Communications Inc (,) is one of Canada's largest communications companies particularly in the field of wireless communications and Cable television, with additional purchased 80% of the baseball club with Interbrew (now InBev) maintaining 20% interest and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce relinquishing its 10% share. For the proposed merged company see Proposed merger of Anheuser-Busch and InBev. The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce () better known to most customers as CIBC, is one of Canada 's major Banks CIBC is classified as a Domestic

Buck Martinez, a former catcher and broadcast announcer for the Blue Jays, took over as manager before the 2001 season. John Albert "Buck" Martinez (born November 7, 1948 in Redding, California) is a former Catcher and manager in The Blue Jays were back under . 500 for 2001, finishing at 80–82, with mediocre pitching and hitting. Delgado led the team again with 39 home runs and 102 RBI. After the 2001 season ended, the Blue Jays relieved Gord Ash of his duties, ending a seven year tenure.

J. P. Ricciardi, then director of player development under Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, was named the Blue Jays' General Manager and was expected to slash the payroll immediately, in order to stem the tide of red ink. John Paul (J P Ricciardi (born September 26, 1959 in Worcester Massachusetts) is the current Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations and General The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. There is another former major league player named Billy Bean. During the off-season, the team traded or let go several popular players, including Alex S. Gonzalez, Paul Quantrill, Brad Fullmer and closer Billy Koch to let talented youngsters such as Eric Hinske and Felipe Lopez get a chance to develop into major leaguers. Alexander Scott Gonzalez (born April 8, 1973 in Miami, Florida) is a former Major League Baseball Shortstop and Paul John Quantrill (born November 3, 1968 in London Ontario, Canada raised in Kingsville Ontario) is a former Major League Bradley Ryan Fullmer (born January 17, 1975 in) is a former Major League Baseball First baseman and Designated hitter. In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out William (Billy Koch (born December 14, 1974 in Rockville Centre New York) is a former Major League Baseball Relief pitcher. Eric Scott Hinske (born August 5, 1977, in Menasha Wisconsin) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays. Felipe López (born May 12, in Bayamón Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball Second base / Shortstop who

2002–present: The J. P. Ricciardi era

2002 season

The Blue Jays started the 2002 season with slow progress in performance. Buck Martinez was fired about a third of the way through the season, with a 20–33 record. John Albert "Buck" Martinez (born November 7, 1948 in Redding, California) is a former Catcher and manager in He was replaced by third base coach Carlos Tosca, an experienced minor league manager. Carlos Tosca (born September 29, 1953 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba) was the Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2002 They went 58–51 under Tosca to finish the season 78–84. Roy Halladay, a talented but inconsistent prospect who was no more than a fifth starter who alternated between Toronto and Triple-A during his first three seasons, was relied on as the team's ace and rose to the challenge being the team's top pitcher, finishing the season with a 19–7 record and a 2. Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. 93 ERA. The hitters were led once again by Carlos Delgado. Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York Ricciardi was credited for dumping Raúl Mondesí in mid-season to the New York Yankees to free up his salary, which in turn was used for the off-season signing of Mike Bordick, Frank Catalanotto and Tanyon Sturtze. Raúl Ramón Mondesí Avelino (born March 12, 1971 in San Cristóbal Dominican Republic) is a former Major League Baseball player The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. Michael Todd Bordick (born July 21, 1965 in Marquette Michigan) is a former Shortstop in Major League Baseball. Frank John Catalanotto (pronounced Ca-ta-lan-na-toe (born April 27, 1974 in Smithtown, New York) is an Outfielder and Designated Tanyon James Sturtze (born October 12, 1970 in) is a former Major League Baseball Relief pitcher who is currently serving as a Bullpen Promising young players were assigned to key roles, including starting third baseman Eric Hinske (who later won the Rookie of the Year Award for this year) and 23-year old centre fielder Vernon Wells, who had his first 100 RBI season replacing Mondesi. A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in Baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of Eric Scott Hinske (born August 5, 1977, in Menasha Wisconsin) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays. A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the Outfielder in Baseball who plays defense in center field - the baseball fielding position Vernon Wells III (born December 8, 1978, in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue Another bright young player was Josh Phelps, a former catcher turned designated hitter, who hit 15 home runs. Joshua Lee Phelps (born May 12, 1978 in Anchorage Alaska) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the St

• Team record 2002: 78 wins - 84 losses, W%- 0. 481, 25. 5 games behind Division Leader

2003 season

The 2003 season was a surprise to both team management and baseball analysts. After a poor April, the team had its most successful month ever in May. The offense was mainly responsible for the stunning turnaround. Delgado took over the major league lead in runs batted in, followed closely by Wells. The middle infield positions remained a gametime decision - Bordick played shortstop and third base, Dave Berg second base and third base, Chris Woodward shortstop and Orlando Hudson second base. David Scott Berg (born September 3, 1970 in Roseville California) is a Major League Baseball player Christopher Michael Woodward (born June 27, 1976 in Covina California) is a Major League Baseball Infielder who is currently Orlando Thill Hudson (born December 12 1977 in Darlington, South Carolina) is a Second baseman in Major League Baseball for the National Minor league call-up Howie Clark entered the mix as a utility player after Hinske underwent surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his right hand, which he had tried to play through for the first six weeks. Part of the History of baseball series Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of Professional baseball leagues in North Howard "Howie" Roddy Clark (born February 13, 1974 in) is a utility player in the Minnesota Twins organization The hamate bone ( unciform bone) is a Bone in the Human Hand that may be readily distinguished by its wedge-shaped form and the hook-like process

Despite their hitting successes, poor pitching continued to plague the team. Roy Halladay was spectacular in winning his first Cy Young Award, going 22–7, with a 3. Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. In Baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best Pitcher in Major League Baseball (one each for American and National 25 ERA, but he didn't get much help from his fellow pitchers, although he had a poor start himself. Rookie Aquilino Lopez was a pleasant surprise out of the bullpen. Aquilino Roa López (born April 21 1975 in Villa Altagracia, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Relief pitcher for the Kelvim Escobar and former NBA player Mark Hendrickson were inserted into the rotation with their places in the bullpen filled by waiver acquisitions Doug Davis and Josh Towers, who went 8–1 after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse. Kelvim Jose Escobar Bolivar (born April 11, 1976 in La Guaira, Venezuela) is a Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball Mark Allan Hendrickson (born June 23, 1974 in Mount Vernon Washington) is an American professional athlete A rotation is a movement of an object in a circular motion A two- Dimensional object rotates around a center (or point) of rotation In Baseball, the bullpen (or simply the pen) is the area where relief Pitchers warm-up before entering a game Douglas N "Doug" Davis (born September 21, 1975 in Sacramento California) nicknamed "Double D" is an American baseball player Joshua Eric Towers (born February 26, 1977 in Port Hueneme California) is a Right-handed Major League Baseball Starting The closer role was a season-long revolving door, with nobody able to take hold of the reins. Trade speculation had focussed on the acquisitions of pitching at the expense of hitters, but in the end the team simply divested itself of impending free agent Shannon Stewart without getting a pitcher in return. Shannon Harold Stewart (born February 25, 1974 in Cincinnati Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Left fielder who is currently a Instead Bobby Kielty, another outfielder with a much lower batting average than Stewart's, was obtained from the Minnesota Twins and later traded in November 2003 to the Oakland Athletics for starter Ted Lilly. Robert Michael Kielty (last name pronounced KELT-ee (born August 5, 1976 in Fontana, California) is an American Outfielder The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. In Baseball or Softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the Pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III (born January 4, 1976 in Torrance California) is a Starting pitcher for the Chicago The top four pitchers for the projected 2004 rotation would include Halladay, Lilly, free agent Miguel Batista, and the return of Pat Hentgen. In Baseball or Softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the Pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of In Professional sports a free agent is a team player whose contract with a team has expired and the player is able to sign a contract with another team if that player Miguel Descartes Batista Jerez (born February 19, 1971 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Patrick George Hentgen (born November 13, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former Major League Baseball player

After the spectacular turnaround in May 2003, which helped the team move to just few games behind the wildcard leading Boston Red Sox, team performance slowly returned to reality, as predicted by team management. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. Carlos Delgado was second in the voting for the American League MVP although the Jays were in third place in their division. The Most Valuable Player Award (commonly known as the MVP award is an annual award given to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. The Jays also announced that a new logo and new uniforms would be used as of January 1, 2004. A logo ( Greek el λογότυπος = el-Latn logotypos is a graphical element ( Ideogram, Symbol, Emblem, Icon, Sign) A uniform is a set of standard Clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again "

• Team record 2003: 86 wins - 76 losses, W%- 0. 531, 15 games behind Division Leader

2004 season

The 2004 season was a disappointing year for the Blue Jays right from the beginning. They started the season 0–8 at SkyDome and never started a lengthy winning streak. SkyDome redirects here for other uses see SkyDome (disambiguation Much of that was due to injuries to All-Stars Carlos Delgado, Vernon Wells and Roy Halladay among others. Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York Vernon Wells III (born December 8, 1978, in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. Although the additions of starting pitchers Ted Lilly and Miguel Batista and reliever Justin Speier were relatively successful, veteran Pat Hentgen faltered throughout the season and retired on July 24. Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III (born January 4, 1976 in Torrance California) is a Starting pitcher for the Chicago Miguel Descartes Batista Jerez (born February 19, 1971 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Justin James Speier (born November 6, 1973 in Walnut Creek California) is a Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Patrick George Hentgen (born November 13, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former Major League Baseball player Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely Events 1132 - Battle of Nocera between Ranulf II of Alife and Roger II of Sicily. Rookies and minor league callups David Bush, Jason Frasor, Josh Towers and others filled the void in the rotation and the bullpen; however, inconsistent performances were evident. Minor leagues are professional Sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports David Thomas Bush (born November 9, 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Jason Andrew Frasor (b August 9, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois) is a Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Joshua Eric Towers (born February 26, 1977 in Port Hueneme California) is a Right-handed Major League Baseball Starting In Baseball, the bullpen (or simply the pen) is the area where relief Pitchers warm-up before entering a game Most starting pitchers did not pitch further than the sixth inning; thus, the overused bullpen contributed to the frequent relinquishing of early scoring leads.

The offense really sputtered due to the injuries of Wells, Delgado, Catalanotto and others, although in their absence, Josh Phelps emerged as the team's go to guy, hitting 12 homers and driving in 51 runs before being limited to playing against left-handed pitching and was traded to the Cleveland Indians. The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Five different catchers were used: Greg Myers, Bobby Estalella, Kevin Cash, Gregg Zaun, and rookie Guillermo Quiroz. Gregory Richard Myers (born on April 14, 1966, in Riverside California) is a former Baseball Catcher and Designated hitter Robert M Estalella (born August 23, 1974 in Hialeah Florida) is a former Major League Baseball Catcher. Kevin Forrest Cash (born December 6, 1977 in) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the Boston Red Sox. Gregory Owen Zaun (zɑːn born April 14, 1971 in Glendale California) is a Major League Baseball player with the Toronto Blue Jays Guillermo Antonio Quiroz kee-ROZE (born November 29, 1981 in Maracaibo Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the Greg Myers was injured running the bases in Minnesota, early in the season, and was lost for the year. Bobby Estalella was called up, but he proved to be brittle as well. Gregg Zaun landed the starting catching job for the rest of the season. Kevin Cash continued to struggle from an offensive standpoint and would be moved in the offseason. In an organised Sports league, a season is the portion of one Year in which regulated Games of the sport are in session The highly-touted Guillermo Quiroz was promoted from the minors near the end of the season.

With the team struggling in last place and mired in a five-game losing streak, manager Carlos Tosca was fired on August 8, 2004 and was replaced by first-base coach John Gibbons through the end of the season. Carlos Tosca (born September 29, 1953 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba) was the Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2002 Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " John Michael Gibbons (born June 8 1962, in Great Falls Montana) was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball The Jays' trying year would also touch long-time radio announcer Tom Cheek, who had to break his streak of calling all 4,306 regular season games in franchise history, upon the death of his father. Thomas F Cheek ( June 13 1939 - October 9 2005) was an American -born broadcaster Cheek had to take more time off later to remove a brain tumor, and by the end of the season, Cheek only called the home games. A brain tumor is any intracranial Tumor created by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, normally either in the Brain itself ( Neurons

Nevertheless, prospects Russ Adams, Gabe Gross, and Alex Ríos provided excitement for the fans. Russ Moore Adams (born August 30, 1980 in Laurinburg North Carolina) is an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Gabriel Jordan "Gabe" Gross (born October 21, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder Adams hit his first major league home run in his second game, in which Gross also earned his own first major league grand slam. In the Sport of Baseball, a grand slam (or just slam for short is a Home run hit with all the bases occupied by baserunners, thereby Alex Ríos was among the MLB Rookie of the Year Award candidates. In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is given annually to one player from each league as voted upon by the Baseball Writers Association of America However, the award went to Bobby Crosby of the Oakland Athletics. This article is for the baseball player For the comic strip character see Superosity. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. Rookie pitchers David Bush, Gustavo Chacín and Jason Frasor also showed promise for the club's future. David Thomas Bush (born November 9, 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Gustavo Adolfo Chacín (tʃɑːˈsiːn born December 4, 1980 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a Left-handed former Jason Andrew Frasor (b August 9, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois) is a Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League The Blue Jays' lone MLB All-Star Game representative in 2004 was pitcher Ted Lilly. Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III (born January 4, 1976 in Torrance California) is a Starting pitcher for the Chicago

On October 2, 2004, the Toronto Blue Jays announced the dismissals of pitching coach Gil Patterson and first-base coach Joe Breeden, effective at the end of the season. Events 1187 - Siege of Jerusalem: Saladin captures Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader rule "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " One day later, the Blue Jays finished the 2004 campaign with a 3–2 loss against the New York Yankees in front of an announced crowd of 49,948. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. However, the Jays' annus horribilis continued after the game, when it was announced that former pitcher and current TV broadcaster John Cerutti died suddenly of natural causes at the age of only 44. Annus horribilis is a Latin phrase meaning "horrible year" John Joseph Cerutti ( April 28 1960 - October 3 2004) was an American left-handed Pitcher in Major League Baseball

More losses to the Jays family came in the offseason. Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member Bobby Mattick, the manager from 1980 to 1981 and perhaps the best baseball man in the organization, suffered a stroke and died at the age of 89. The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum is a museum located in St Robert James "Bobby" Mattick ( December 5, 1915 - December 16, 2004) was a Shortstop, manager and scout A stroke is the rapidly developing loss of brain functions due to a disturbance in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain Mattick had also served as the Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Blue Jays. __FORCETOC__ For the Vice President of the United States, their roles and other information see Vice President of the United States. A few days before Christmas, the Jays also mourned the loss of former first baseman Doug Ault, who had hit two home runs in the team's inaugural game in 1977; he was only 54 years old. First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a Baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run Douglas Reagan Ault ( March 9, 1950 – December 22, 2004) was a Major League Baseball First baseman / Designated hitter

Rogers Communications, the owner of the Jays, purchased SkyDome from Sportsco International in November 2004 for approximately $25 million CAD ($21. Rogers Communications Inc (,) is one of Canada's largest communications companies particularly in the field of wireless communications and Cable television, with additional November 2004: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September 24 million USD), just a fraction of the construction cost. The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been

Just days after superstar Carlos Delgado became a free agent after the club refused arbitration, the Jays announced the signing of Manitoban third baseman Corey Koskie, formerly of the Minnesota Twins. Arbitration, a form of Alternative dispute resolution (ADR is a legal technique for the resolution of Disputes outside the Courts wherein the Manitoba (English ˌmænɨˈtoʊbə French /manitoba/ is a province of Canada, spanning 647797 square kilometres (250116  sq mi of North America A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in Baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of Cordel Leonard "Corey" Koskie (born June 28, 1973 in Anola, Manitoba, Canada) is a former Major League Baseball The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One month after Koskie was inked, the Jays traded pitching prospect Adam Peterson to the Arizona Diamondbacks for corner infielder/DH Shea Hillenbrand. The Arizona Diamondbacks (also referred to as the D-backs) are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix Arizona. Baseball teams take turns one "out" in the field and one "in" at bat In Baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6 Shea Matthew Hillenbrand (born July 27, 1975, in Mesa Arizona) is a professional baseball player who last played for the York Revolution

• Team record 2004: 67 wins - 94 losses, W%- 0. 416, 33. 5 games behind Division Leader

2005 season

On February 2, 2005, several days after finalizing the purchase of SkyDome by Rogers Communications, Rogers, to the widespread chagrin and derision of Jays fans, renamed the stadium the Rogers Centre. Events 962 - Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Rogers Communications Inc (,) is one of Canada's largest communications companies particularly in the field of wireless communications and Cable television, with additional SkyDome redirects here for other uses see SkyDome (disambiguation In spite of the best efforts of the new ownership, a wide majority of Blue Jays fans continued (and still continue) to refer to the stadium as SkyDome. By the start of the season Rogers had upgraded the stadium with a new "JumboTron" videoboard and added other state-of-the-art video screens around the stadium. A JumboTron is a Large-screen television technology developed by Sony, typically used in Sports stadiums and concert venues to show close up shots of the This article is about the Amiga demo for other uses see State of the art (disambiguation. Also, the AstroTurf surface was replaced by the more natural-looking FieldTurf. AstroTurf is a brand of Artificial turf. Though the term is a Registered trademark, it is sometimes used as a generic description of any kind FieldTurf Tarkett, a division of Tarkett Inc is a Peachtree City GA -based company that manufactures and installs Artificial turf playing surfaces identified Owner Ted Rogers also promised a payroll increase to $210 million over the next three years, which allowed the team to have a team payroll of $70 million per year. For other uses see Edward Rogers (disambiguation. Edward Samuel "Ted" Rogers Jr

The Blue Jays finished spring training with a 16–10 record. In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the Regular season. Among the stars of spring training was Gabe Gross, who tied the Jays' record for most home runs in spring training with eight (the previous record breaker was long time Blue Jay Carlos Delgado). Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York The Jays were able to translate their success in spring training into an excellent start - the team led the AL East from early to mid-April and held their record around . 500 until late August. The Jays were hit with the injury bug when third baseman Corey Koskie broke his finger, taking him out of the lineup, but the club was pleasantly surprised with the performance of rookie call-up Aaron Hill in his stead. A finger is a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the Hands of Humans and other Primates Normally humans have five digits Aaron Walter Hill (born on March 21, 1982 in Visalia California) is a Major League Baseball player and second-baseman for the Toronto Blue

On July 8, just prior to the All-Star break, Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay was struck on the shin by a line drive from Texas left fielder Kevin Mench and was placed on the DL with a fractured leg. Events 939 - The Major Occultation or Ghaybat el-Kubra of Muhammad al-Mahdi 1099 - First Crusade: 15000 Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. Kevin Ford Mench (born January 7, 1978 in Wilmington Delaware) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays The injury cost Halladay his chance to be the American League starter in the All-Star Game in Detroit; his place on the All-Star squad was taken by Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the "Midsummer Classic" is an annual Baseball game between players from the National League Matthew Paul Clement (born August 12, 1974 in McCandless Township, Pennsylvania) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher Though Halladay's injury was hoped to be minor, the recovery process was met with constant delays, and Halladay eventually would prove to be out for the rest of the season. Team management officially announced that he would miss the rest of the season in August. The Halladay injury is seen by many as the negative turning point in the Jays season; the team had been in serious wild card contention at the time, but afterwards fell out of the race and failed to make the playoffs for the 12th consecutive year. The term wild card refers broadly to a Tournament or Playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play

On July 22, Toronto traded utility infielder John McDonald to the Detroit Tigers for cash considerations. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Godfrey of Bouillon is elected the first Defender of the Holy Sepulchre of The Kingdom of John Joseph McDonald (born September 24, 1974 in New London Connecticut) is a Major League Baseball Infielder for the Toronto The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan, USA This gave the Blue Jays an open spot on the roster so that Aaron Hill could stay with the team when Corey Koskie returned from injury. Aaron Walter Hill (born on March 21, 1982 in Visalia California) is a Major League Baseball player and second-baseman for the Toronto Blue Cordel Leonard "Corey" Koskie (born June 28, 1973 in Anola, Manitoba, Canada) is a former Major League Baseball

On July 28, Toronto played in the longest game in franchise history, innings-wise, an 18-inning marathon against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Rogers Centre. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California. The Jays won 2–1, after nearly five hours of play when Orlando Hudson hit a line drive past a drawn in infield, scoring Alex Rios from third base. Orlando Thill Hudson (born December 12 1977 in Darlington, South Carolina) is a Second baseman in Major League Baseball for the National

The shutdown of Halladay for the remainder of the season seemed to affect the performance of the Jays. They went on a slump that brought their record under . 500 in the beginning of September. From there, the Blue Jays finished the season 80–82 while receiving glimpses of the future from September call-ups Guillermo Quiroz, John-Ford Griffin, and Shaun Marcum. Guillermo Antonio Quiroz kee-ROZE (born November 29, 1981 in Maracaibo Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the John-Ford David Griffin (born November 19, 1979 in Sarasota Florida) is a Left-handed Major League Baseball Outfielder Shaun Michal Marcum (born December 14, 1981 in Kansas City Missouri) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for the Marcum made himself noteworthy by posting an ERA of 0. 00 over 5 relief appearances and 8 innings in September. Griffin hit his first career home run in the last game of the season and ended up going 4 for 13.

Josh Towers also stepped up, showing largely unseen potential going 7–5 with a 2. Joshua Eric Towers (born February 26, 1977 in Port Hueneme California) is a Right-handed Major League Baseball Starting 91 ERA in the 2nd half of the year and a 13–12, 3. 71 ERA season overall, making him arguably the unlikely ace of the Jays rotation with Halladay injured and Gustavo Chacín faltering somewhat after the All-Star break. Gustavo Adolfo Chacín (tʃɑːˈsiːn born December 4, 1980 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a Left-handed former

The 2005 Jays inability to score with men in scoring position was a turning point in many games that ended up as losses, also contributing to the 80–82 record, although as a positive, the team did improve by 13 wins and returned to their usual 80-win plateau.

On October 9, the Jays, along with their fans, mourned the loss of inaugural broadcaster Tom Cheek. Events 768 - Carloman I and Charlemagne are crowned Kings of The Franks. Thomas F Cheek ( June 13 1939 - October 9 2005) was an American -born broadcaster Cheek, 66, succumbed to brain cancer after just over a year-long battle. A brain tumor is any intracranial Tumor created by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, normally either in the Brain itself ( Neurons Cheek had broadcast 4,306 consecutive games since the first day of the franchise. His streak was ended in June 2004 when he took time off to visit his ailing father.

In the off-season, general manager J. P. Ricciardi began to make good use of the money that had been granted to the Jays by Rogers Communications before the season. Rogers had given Ricciardi $210 million over three years, which became $75 million a season to spend, $25 million more than the previous year. Ricciardi fulfilled the team's need for a stable closer by signing former Baltimore Orioles standout B. J. Ryan to the richest contract ever for a reliever - a 5-year, $47 million on November 28. In Baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer (abbreviated CL) is a Relief pitcher who specializes in closing out The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland. Robert Victor Ryan Jr, more commonly known as B J Ryan, (born on December 28, 1975 in Bossier City Louisiana) is a closer in For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Following that, the club awarded a 5-year, $55 million contract to highly coveted starting pitcher A. J. Burnett, formerly of the Florida Marlins, on December 6. Allan James "AJ" Burnett (born January 3 1977 in North Little Rock Arkansas) is a Right-handed Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens Florida. Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev

On December 23, 2005, Rogers Sportsnet reported that the Jays added a much needed 30 plus home run hitter to their lineup by getting third baseman and 2002 World Series MVP Troy Glaus and minor league shortstop Sergio Santos in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Rogers Sportsnet (often referred to only as Sportsnet) is a Canadian English language Cable television Sports Specialty channel Troy Edward Glaus (ˈɡlɔːs (born August 3 1976 in Tarzana, California) is a Major League Baseball player who plays third base for the The Arizona Diamondbacks (also referred to as the D-backs) are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix Arizona. In return, the Diamondbacks received second baseman and 2005 Gold Glove Award winner Orlando Hudson and pitcher Miguel Batista. For the award given to amateur boxers see Golden Gloves. In American Baseball, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to Orlando Thill Hudson (born December 12 1977 in Darlington, South Carolina) is a Second baseman in Major League Baseball for the National Miguel Descartes Batista Jerez (born February 19, 1971 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Glaus passed a team physical on December 26, and the trade was officially announced the next day. Events 1481 - Battle of Westbrook - Holland defeats troops of Utrecht. On the same day as the announcement of the Glaus deal, the Jays acquired solid-hitting first baseman Lyle Overbay and right-handed pitching prospect Ty Taubenheim in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers; with pitcher David Bush, pitching prospect Zach Jackson, and outfielder Gabe Gross going to Milwaukee. Lyle Stefan Overbay (born January 28, 1977 in Centralia Washington) is a Major League Baseball First baseman who currently plays Ty Andrew Taubenheim (born November 17, 1982 in Bellingham Washington) is a Pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a David Thomas Bush (born November 9, 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Zachary Thomas Jackson, (born May 13, 1983 in Greensburg Pennsylvania) is a Pitcher in Major League Baseball. Gabriel Jordan "Gabe" Gross (born October 21, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder Glaus and Overbay were both introduced to the Toronto media together a few days later.

• Team record 2005: 80 wins - 82 losses, W%- 0. 494, 15 games behind Division Leader

2006 season

On January 3, J. Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. P. Ricciardi signed free-agent catcher Jason Phillips to a minor league contract. Jason Lloyd Phillips (born September 27, 1976 in La Mesa California) is a Major League Baseball Catcher and First baseman Phillips, who hit . 238 the previous season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, also had an invitation to spring training, was supposed to have competed with Guillermo Quiroz for the role of the Blue Jays' backup catcher. The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles California, USA Guillermo Antonio Quiroz kee-ROZE (born November 29, 1981 in Maracaibo Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the Quiroz was later claimed on waivers by the Seattle Mariners, and Phillips started the season with the team after Gregg Zaun was put on the disabled list. The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States.

The trades for Troy Glaus and Lyle Overbay in the off-season created a glut of corner infielders for the Jays, as the team now had five players (Glaus, Overbay, Eric Hinske, Corey Koskie, and Shea Hillenbrand) who could play third base, first base, or designated hitter. Troy Edward Glaus (ˈɡlɔːs (born August 3 1976 in Tarzana, California) is a Major League Baseball player who plays third base for the Lyle Stefan Overbay (born January 28, 1977 in Centralia Washington) is a Major League Baseball First baseman who currently plays Eric Scott Hinske (born August 5, 1977, in Menasha Wisconsin) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays. Cordel Leonard "Corey" Koskie (born June 28, 1973 in Anola, Manitoba, Canada) is a former Major League Baseball Shea Matthew Hillenbrand (born July 27, 1975, in Mesa Arizona) is a professional baseball player who last played for the York Revolution The Jays relieved some of this pressure on January 6, by trading Koskie to the Milwaukee Brewers in the second deal between the two clubs in less than a month. Events 1066 - Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England. 1205 - Philip of Swabia becomes King The Blue Jays received minor league pitcher Brian Wolfe in return for Koskie. Brian Thomas Wolfe (born November 29, 1980 in Fullerton, California) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher for the The Blue Jays also moved first baseman (and former third baseman) Eric Hinske to right field as a result.

On February 6, Toronto signed former Angels catcher Bengie Molina to a one year contract worth with an option for a second. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina (born July 20 1974 in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico) is the starting Catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Three days later, Toronto wrapped up its off season moves by re-signing Shea Hillenbrand and Pete Walker, each to a one year deal. Peter Brian Walker (born 8 April 1969) is a former Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.

On July 2, Troy Glaus, Vernon Wells, Roy Halladay, B. Events 310 - Pope Miltiades is elected 626 - In fear of assassination Li Shimin ambushes and kills his rival J. Ryan, and Alex Rios were picked to represent the Blue Jays at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the "Midsummer Classic" is an annual Baseball game between players from the National League ^[3] Rios would not end up competing due to a serious staph infection that occurred around June 28, possibly as the result of a foul ball off Rios' leg during a game on June 27. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. In Baseball, a foul ball is a batted ball that is not a Foul tip, and that passes out of the playing field in flight while over foul Events 1358 - Republic of Dubrovnik is founded 1709 - Peter the Great defeats Charles XII of Sweden ^[4] Along with them the manager John Gibbons was also picked as an assistant coach for the AL team. John Michael Gibbons (born June 8 1962, in Great Falls Montana) was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball This was the most all stars selected for the game since 1993. The only AL team with more All-Stars than the Jays was the World Series champion the Chicago White Sox, with six. The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League ( AL) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in The Chicago White Sox are a professional Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ^[5]

On July 7, Troy Glaus was picked to compete in the 2006 Home Run Derby, though during the Derby, he hit only one home run and was eliminated after the first round. Events 1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death The Home Run Derby is an event played prior to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

On July 19, infielder Shea Hillenbrand was designated for assignment after an altercation with the team management. Events 711 - Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by their king Roderic. Shortly after Hillenbrand, along with reliever Vinnie Chulk, was traded to the San Francisco Giants for reliever Jeremy Accardo. Charles Vincent "Vinnie" Chulk (born December 19, 1978 in Miami Florida) is a reliever in the San Francisco Giants Jeremy Lee Accardo (born on December 18, 1981 in Phoenix Arizona) is a Pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Toronto

On August 3, rookie second baseman Ryan Roberts started his first game in the MLB, and had his first hit, which was a home run. Events 8 - Roman Empire General Tiberius defeats Dalmatians on the river Bathinus. Ryan Alan Roberts (born September 19, 1980 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a Major League Baseball Infielder for the Texas He is one of few Blue Jays rookies to have his first hit a home run in his first start.

On August 12, the Blue Jays got the Minnesota Twins to hit into 6 double plays, tying a Blue Jays record set on April 16, 1996. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) (Blue Jays vs. Detroit).

On August 16, the Blue Jays traded reliever Scott Schoeneweis to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations or a player to be named later (later announced to be INF Trevor Lawhorn). Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting Scott David Schoeneweis (born October 2, 1973 in Long Branch New Jersey) is an American Left-handed Relief pitcher The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati Ohio, USA

On August 17, the Blue Jays traded first and third baseman and outfielder Eric Hinske and cash considerations to the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later. Events 986 - A Byzantine army was destroyed in the pass of Trajan's Gate by the Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Eric Scott Hinske (born August 5, 1977, in Menasha Wisconsin) is a Major League Baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions.

During a game against the Oakland Athletics on August 21, 2006, while on the verge of blowing an 8-run lead, John Gibbons walked to the mound to remove starter Ted Lilly. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. John Michael Gibbons (born June 8 1962, in Great Falls Montana) was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III (born January 4, 1976 in Torrance California) is a Starting pitcher for the Chicago An argument ensued on the mound, in front of the audience at the Rogers Centre. Lilly eventually did leave the game and then headed into the clubhouse. Gibbons subsequently followed him into the hallway, where it appeared to eyewitnesses that he and Lilly got into a fight. Numerous team members and support personnel rushed into the tunnel to break them up. After the game, both the pitcher and manager denied any altercation and said the problem had been resolved. ^[6]

Despite their on-field and off-field problems, the Blue Jays managed to play well in the critical month of September, going 18–10. This, combined with the slumping of the Boston Red Sox, enabled Toronto to snare sole possession of second place in the American League East by the end of the season. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. This marked the first time that the Jays had finished above third place in their division since their World Championship season of 1993, and with the most wins since the 1998 season.

On November 17, the Blue Jays announced that they had signed designated hitter Frank Thomas to a two-year contract worth $18 million, with an option for 2009. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Frank Edward Thomas (born May 27 1968 is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics.

On November 28, the Blue Jays announced that they had re-signed catcher Gregg Zaun to a two-year contract with an option for 2009. For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Gregory Owen Zaun (zɑːn born April 14, 1971 in Glendale California) is a Major League Baseball player with the Toronto Blue Jays

On December 18, the Blue Jays announced that they had re-signed centre fielder Vernon Wells to a seven-year contract worth $126 million, to come into effect after the 2007 season. Events 218 BC - Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia - Hannibal 's Carthaginian forces defeat those of the A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the Outfielder in Baseball who plays defense in center field - the baseball fielding position Vernon Wells III (born December 8, 1978, in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue It is currently the largest contract in club history.

• Team record 2006: 87 wins - 75 losses, W%- 0. 537, 10 games behind behind AL Division Leader, second in division

2007 season

During the month of January, Toronto signed starting pitchers John Thomson and then Tomo Ohka to incentive-based one-year contracts in an effort to strengthen their 4th and 5th rotational slots. John Carl Thomson (born October 1, 1973 in Vicksburg, Mississippi) is a free agent Starting pitcher who last played for the Kansas (Commonly referred as Tomo Ohka) (born March 18, 1976 in Kyoto Japan) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher in the On January 30 Toronto also signed starting pitcher Victor Zambrano to a minor league contract, and invited him to Spring Training. Events 1648 - Eighty Years' War: The Treaty of Münster is signed ending the conflict between the Netherlands and Spain Víctor Manuel Zambrano (born August 6, 1975 in Los Teques, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher who is currently All three were eventually released. When Brandon League, who was being considered for the main setup role, arrived to Spring Training with a strained lat muscle, Zambrano took the empty spot in the bullpen. Brandon Paul League (born March 16, 1983 in Sacramento, California) is a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Thomson injured himself in spring training, so the Blue Jays named Ohka and Towers as their fourth and fifth starters. After four mediocre starts, Josh Towers was sent to the bullpen and replaced by Dustin McGowan. Joshua Eric Towers (born February 26, 1977 in Port Hueneme California) is a Right-handed Major League Baseball Starting Dustin Michael McGowan aka "D-Mac" (b March 24 1982, Savannah, Georgia) isa Baseball player currently a Pitcher Towers returned to the rotation later in the year replacing released pitcher Tomo Ohka. When Gustavo Chacin was injured, he was replaced in the rotation by Shaun Marcum, who had a breakout year. Gustavo Adolfo Chacín (tʃɑːˈsiːn born December 4, 1980 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a Left-handed former Shaun Michal Marcum (born December 14, 1981 in Kansas City Missouri) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for the

The season was blighted by persistent injuries, with 12 Blue Jays landing on the DL. The most serious injury was that of B. J. Ryan, who was out for the entire season having had Tommy John Surgery. Thomas Edward John Jr (born May 22 1943 in Terre Haute Indiana) is a former left-handed Pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 However, due to the emergence of young pitchers like Dustin McGowan, Casey Janssen and Jeremy Accardo, the Jays finished 4 games above . Dustin Michael McGowan aka "D-Mac" (b March 24 1982, Savannah, Georgia) isa Baseball player currently a Pitcher Robert Casey Janssen (born September 17 1981 in Orange California) is a Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball Jeremy Lee Accardo (born on December 18, 1981 in Phoenix Arizona) is a Pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Toronto 500.

One of the most memorable games this season for the Jays was on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 when they rallied from being down 11–6 in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to win 12–11 on an RBI walk-off base on balls by Aaron Hill, a victory that moved them to within 1 game under . Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Aaron Hill ( February 10, 1685 – February 8, 1750) was an English Dramatist and miscellaneous 500

Another memorable moment of this season was Dustin McGowan's complete game one-hitter on Sunday, June 24 against the Colorado Rockies at the Rogers Centre. Events 972 - Battle of Cedynia, the first documented victory of Polish forces takes place McGowan carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning when outfielder Jeff Baker hit a single with no out to break it up. The outfield is a Sporting term used in Cricket and Baseball to refer to the area of the Field of play further from the Batsman This was the first Jays' one-hitter since September 27, 1998, in which Roy Halladay threw against the Detroit Tigers. Events 489 - Odoacer attacks Theodoric at the Battle of Verona and is defeated again Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. The Jays won 5–0 and moved themselves up to . 500 for the first time since May 1 of the season. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. The game was also notable for Frank Thomas hitting the 499th home run of his career. The day after McGowan's gem, the Jays defeated the Minnesota Twins 8–5 to climb over the . 500 mark for the first time since April and get their first four-game winning streak of the season.

On June 28, Frank Thomas became the 21st Major Leaguer to hit 500 career home runs. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. In Major League Baseball, the 500 Home Run Club is an informal term applied to the group of players who have hit 500 or more career Home runs The first member of the The pitcher who surrendered the homer was Minnesota Twins' starter Carlos Silva. Despite jumping out to an early lead the Jays couldn't hold on and ended up losing 8–5. In addition, Thomas was ejected from the game in the ninth inning by home plate umpire Mark Wegner for arguing balls and strikes.

On July 6, Reed Johnson returned to the lineup after spending three months on the DL. Events 1044 - The Battle of Ménfő takes place 1189 - Richard the Lionheart is crowned King of England Reed Cameron Johnson (born December 8, 1976 in Riverside California) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Chicago Johnson had been suffering back problems early in the season and received surgery, which forced him onto the 60-Day DL. This situation left Adam Lind the odd-man out in the lineup and he was optioned down to Triple-A. Adam Alan Lind (born July 17 1983 in Anderson, Indiana) is an American Left fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays In his first game back Johnson went 1–3 at the plate, and made a game-saving catch in the ninth which prevented two runs (only one run scored on a sac-fly) from scoring and a runner on second (possibly third) and a one run lead with only one out. The Jays won the game 8–6 against the Cleveland Indians. The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States.

On September 16, Aaron Hill broke the Blue Jays club record for most doubles by a second baseman in one season, set by Roberto Alomar in 1991 with 41 doubles that season. Events 1400 - Owain Glyndŵr is declared Prince of Wales by his followers Roberto Alomar Velázquez (born February 5 1968 in Ponce, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player (- considered by many to be one of the Hill recorded his 42nd double of the season against the Baltimore Orioles. The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland.

On September 17, Frank Thomas hit three home runs in a game for only the second time in his career, both times against the Boston Red Sox. Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions.

• Team record 2007: 83 wins - 79 losses, W%- 0. 512, 13 games behind behind AL Division Leader, third in division

2008 season

On April 4, the Blue Jays played in their home opener. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. During the pre-game ceremonies, both Roberto Alomar and Paul Beeston were inducted into the Level of Excellence for their contributions to the Blue Jays organization. Roberto Alomar Velázquez (born February 5 1968 in Ponce, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player (- considered by many to be one of the Paul McGill Beeston, CM (born June 20 1945) is the former president of Major League Baseball and former president of the Toronto Blue Jays Also during the pre-game ceremonies, the JumboTron featured a video package of former Blue Jays players and staff who had passed away (including broadcaster Tom Cheek, pitchers Joe Kennedy and Corey Lidle, and former pitching coach Al Widmar), the team then beat the defending World Series champions, the Boston Red Sox, 6–3. Thomas F Cheek ( June 13 1939 - October 9 2005) was an American -born broadcaster Cory Fulton Lidle ( March 22, 1972 – October 11, 2006) was an American right-handed baseball Pitcher who spend nine seasons Albert Joseph Widmar ( March 20, 1925 - October 15, 2005) was a Starting pitcher and a pitching coach in Major League The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. At that game, the team also debuted their new "Flashback Friday" powder blue throwback uniforms, similar to those worn in the 1979 season. Throwback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. The uniforms will be worn at each home game on Fridays, throughout the regular season. ^[7]

On April 20, the Blue Jays gave Frank Thomas his outright release after he voiced his displeasure about being benched indefinitely. Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. Frank Edward Thomas (born May 27 1968 is a Major League Baseball Designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics. The benching was said to be a result of his low performance level early in the season. His contract stated that if he reached 1000 plate appearances in his two year contract he would receive an bonus year at $10 million. Thomas required 304 more plate appearances to be guaranteed the bonus. At the conclusion of the game on April 20, the Blue Jays announced the call up of catcher Robinzon Díaz to take over the roster spot of the departed Thomas. Robinzon Díaz Henriquez (born September 19, 1983 in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Catcher Four days later, Thomas was signed by the Oakland Athletics. The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California.

On April 25, the Blue Jays activated third baseman Scott Rolen from the 15-day disabled list. Events 1607 - Eighty Years' War: The Dutch fleet destroys the anchored Spanish fleet at Gibraltar. Scott Bruce Rolen (born April 4, 1975 in Jasper Indiana) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays He is expected to provide a boost for a struggling Blue Jays team, which has lost 7 of its last 10 games. Rolen, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a January trade for Troy Glaus, suffered a non-displaced fracture of his right middle finger at spring training. The St Louis Cardinals (also referred to as "the Cards " or "the Redbirds " are a professional Baseball team based in St Troy Edward Glaus (ˈɡlɔːs (born August 3 1976 in Tarzana, California) is a Major League Baseball player who plays third base for the Robinzon Díaz was sent back to Triple-A to clear the roster spot.

On May 24, Jesse Litsch pitched his first major league complete game shutout, blanking the Kansas City Royals 6–0 at the Rogers Centre. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned Jesse Allen Litsch (born March 9, 1985, in Pinellas Park FL) is an American Pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. He also set a new team record of 38 consecutive innings without giving up a walk. That same game featured Brad Wilkerson hitting the team's fourth grand slam of the season. Stephen Bradley Wilkerson (born June 1, 1977 in Owensboro, Kentucky) is an Outfielder and First baseman for the In the Sport of Baseball, a grand slam (or just slam for short is a Home run hit with all the bases occupied by baserunners, thereby

On June 10, the Jays beat the Seattle Mariners 3-1 in a home game lasting 2 hours and 2 minutes, one of the quickest games played in the 2008 Major League Baseball season to that date. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem Right hander Dustin McGowan pitches a complete game, 125 pitches for the win. Dustin Michael McGowan aka "D-Mac" (b March 24 1982, Savannah, Georgia) isa Baseball player currently a Pitcher ^[8][9]

Quick facts

Uniform colors: White, Blue, Silver, Graphite, Black

Logo design: A blue jays head coming out of a J.

Alternate logo design: Stylized "T" using uniform colours.

Team motto: "It's Always Game Time"^[10]

Mascot: Ace, an anthropomorphized blue jay. This is a list of current and former Major League Baseball Mascots sorted alphabetically Anthropomorphism is the attribution of uniquely Human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings natural and supernatural phenomena material states and objects

Theme song: "OK Blue Jays"

Local radio: The Fan 590

Local television: Rogers Sportsnet, TSN, CBC

Spring Training Facility: Knology Park, Dunedin, Florida

World Series Champions: 1992, 1993

Current roster

Toronto Blue Jays roster view • talk • edit
Active (25-man) roster				Inactive (40-man) roster		Coaches/Other
Starting rotation 34 A. J. Burnett 32 Roy Halladay 51 Jesse Litsch 28 Shaun Marcum 29 Dustin McGowan Bullpen 57 Shawn Camp 43 Jesse Carlson 37 Scott Downs 54 Jason Frasor 52 B. J. Ryan (CL) 56 Brian Tallet 40 Brian Wolfe		Catchers 20 Rod Barajas  7 Curtis Thigpen Infielders 11 David Eckstein  6 John McDonald 17 Lyle Overbay 33 Scott Rolen 19 Marco Scutaro Outfielders  1 Joe Inglett 36 Kevin Mench 15 Alex Ríos 10 Vernon Wells 35 Brad Wilkerson Designated hitters 24 Matt Stairs		Pitchers 49 Jeremy Accardo † 22 Brandon League 30 Jean Machi -- Bill Murphy 25 David Purcey 50 Davis Romero Catchers  9 Gregg Zaun † Infielders  8 Russ Adams  2 Aaron Hill † -- Kevin Melillo Outfielders 21 Buck Coats 26 Adam Lind 23 Shannon Stewart † Designated hitters 14 Robinzon Díaz		Manager  5 John Gibbons Coaches 38 Brad Arnsberg (pitching) 47 Gary Denbo (hitting) 55 Brian Butterfield (bench) 45 Marty Pevey (third base) 53 Bruce Walton (bullpen) 12 Ernie Whitt (first base) 60-day disabled list 44 Casey Janssen † 15-day disabled list * Suspended list # Bereavement list Roster updated 2008-06-08 Transactions • Depth Chart

Baseball Hall of Famers

No one has yet been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame based primarily on service with the Blue Jays. Keith Hampshire (born November 23, 1945) is a British -born Canadian popular singer of the 1970s famous in Canada for three top ten hits and Rogers Sportsnet (often referred to only as Sportsnet) is a Canadian English language Cable television Sports Specialty channel The Sports Network (commonly known as TSN) is a Canadian English language Cable television Specialty channel and is Canada's leading CBC Television is a Canadian English language Television network. Knology Park is a Baseball Field located in Dunedin Florida. The stadium was built in 1990 and holds 5509 people Dunedin (dəˈniːdɪn is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. Allan James "AJ" Burnett (born January 3 1977 in North Little Rock Arkansas) is a Right-handed Starting pitcher in Major League Baseball Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. Jesse Allen Litsch (born March 9, 1985, in Pinellas Park FL) is an American Pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Shaun Michal Marcum (born December 14, 1981 in Kansas City Missouri) is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher for the Dustin Michael McGowan aka "D-Mac" (b March 24 1982, Savannah, Georgia) isa Baseball player currently a Pitcher Shawn Anthony Camp (born 18 November 1975 in Fairfax Virginia) is a right-handed Major League Baseball Relief pitcher for the Jesse Craig Carlson (b December 31, 1980) is a Major League Baseball Relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Scott Jeremy Downs (born 17 March 1976) is an American baseball Pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball Jason Andrew Frasor (b August 9, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois) is a Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Robert Victor Ryan Jr, more commonly known as B J Ryan, (born on December 28, 1975 in Bossier City Louisiana) is a closer in Brian Curtis Tallet (born September 21, 1977 in Midwest City, Oklahoma) is a Major League Baseball Left-handed Brian Thomas Wolfe (born November 29, 1980 in Fullerton, California) is a Major League Baseball Pitcher for the Rodrigo Richard Barajas (born September 5, 1975 in Ontario California) is a Major League Baseball Catcher for the Toronto Curtis Barnard Thigpen (born April 19, 1983 in Dallas Texas) is a Right-handed Major league Catcher who plays for David Mark Eckstein (born January 20, 1975 in Sanford Florida) nicknamed " X Factor " is a Major League Baseball John Joseph McDonald (born September 24, 1974 in New London Connecticut) is a Major League Baseball Infielder for the Toronto Lyle Stefan Overbay (born January 28, 1977 in Centralia Washington) is a Major League Baseball First baseman who currently plays Scott Bruce Rolen (born April 4, 1975 in Jasper Indiana) is a Major League Baseball Third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays Marcos Scutaro (ˈskuːtəroʊ born October 30, 1975 in Joseph Steven Inglett (born June 29, 1978 in Sacramento California) is a Major League Baseball Utility player, though a natural Kevin Ford Mench (born January 7, 1978 in Wilmington Delaware) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays Vernon Wells III (born December 8, 1978, in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue Stephen Bradley Wilkerson (born June 1, 1977 in Owensboro, Kentucky) is an Outfielder and First baseman for the Matthew Wade Stairs (born February 27, 1968 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada) is a Major League Baseball Jeremy Lee Accardo (born on December 18, 1981 in Phoenix Arizona) is a Pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Toronto Brandon Paul League (born March 16, 1983 in Sacramento, California) is a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Jean Manuel Machi (born February 1, 1983, El Tigre, Venezuela) is a minor league Pitcher currently signed with the William RW "Bill" Murphy (born May 9, 1981 in Anaheim California) is a left-handed Major League Baseball Relief pitcher David Purcey (born April 22, 1982 in St Charles Illinois) is a left-handed Pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Davis Javier Romero (born March 30, 1983 in Aguadulce, Panama) is a Pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Gregory Owen Zaun (zɑːn born April 14, 1971 in Glendale California) is a Major League Baseball player with the Toronto Blue Jays Russ Moore Adams (born August 30, 1980 in Laurinburg North Carolina) is an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Walter Hill (born on March 21, 1982 in Visalia California) is a Major League Baseball player and second-baseman for the Toronto Blue Kevin Michael Melillo (born May 14, 1982 in Orlando Florida) is a Second baseman who plays for the Toronto Blue Jays organization Buck Coats (born June 9, 1982 in Fort Benning Georgia) is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays Adam Alan Lind (born July 17 1983 in Anderson, Indiana) is an American Left fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays Shannon Harold Stewart (born February 25, 1974 in Cincinnati Ohio) is a Major League Baseball Left fielder who is currently a Robinzon Díaz Henriquez (born September 19, 1983 in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball Catcher John Michael Gibbons (born June 8 1962, in Great Falls Montana) was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball Bradley James Arnsberg (born August 20, 1963 in Seattle, Washington) is a former Pitcher in Major League Baseball and Gary B Denbo (b December 9 1960, Princeton Indiana) is the former Major League Hitting Coach for the Toronto Blue Jays Brian Butterfield (born March 9 1958 in Bangor Maine) is the current Bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball Marty Ashley Pevey (born December 25, 1962 in Savannah Georgia) is the former third base coach for the Toronto Blue Jays Major Bruce Kenneth Walton (born December 25, 1962 in Bakersfield California) is an American bullpen coach currently working for the Leo Ernest "Ernie" Whitt (born June 13, 1952 in Detroit Michigan) is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach noted Robert Casey Janssen (born September 17 1981 in Orange California) is a Right-handed Relief pitcher in Major League Baseball 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 68 - The Roman Senate accepts emperor Galba. 536 - St Silverius becomes Pope (probable Three Hall of Famers have worn the Blue Jays uniform:

• 35 Phil Niekro, Pitcher, 1987
• 32 Dave Winfield, Designated hitter/outfielder, 1992
• 19 Paul Molitor, Designated hitter, 1993–1995

Additionally, Bobby Doerr, a second baseman with the Boston Red Sox, served as a coach with the Jays early in their history, and was the first person associated with the franchise to be elected to the Hall, in 1986. Philip Henry Niekro (born April 1, in Blaine Ohio) is a former Pitcher in Major League Baseball and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame David Mark Winfield (born October 3 1951 in St Paul, Minnesota) is an American former Major League Baseball player who is a member of both the Baseball Paul Leo Molitor (nicknamed Molly or The Ignitor) (born August 22 1956 in Vadnais Heights Minnesota) is a former American Baseball player Robert Pershing Doerr (born April 7 1918 in Los Angeles California) is a former Second baseman and coach in Major League Baseball The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. Early Wynn, the Hall of Fame pitcher and 300-game winner, was a broadcaster for the Blue Jays during their first few years. Early Wynn Jr, familiarly known as "Gus" Wynn, ( January 6, 1920 &ndash April 4, 1999) was a right-handed Baseball

Minor league affiliations

• AAA: Syracuse Chiefs, International League 1978–present (renamed to Syracuse SkyChiefs 1996–2006)
• AA: New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Eastern League 2004–present
• Advanced A: Dunedin Blue Jays, Florida State League 1978–present
• A: Lansing Lugnuts, Midwest League 2005–present
• Short A: Auburn Doubledays, New York-Penn League 2000–present
• Rookie: Gulf Coast Blue Jays, Gulf Coast League
• Rookie: VSL Blue Jays, Venezuelan Summer League

Former teams:

• Rookie: Pulaski Blue Jays, Appalachian League 2003–2006
• Rookie: Medicine Hat Blue Jays, Pioneer League 1978–2002
• AA: New Haven Ravens, Eastern League 2000–2003
• AA: Knoxville Smokies, Southern League 1980–1999
• Short A: St. Catharines Blue Jays/St. Catharines Stompers, New York-Penn League 1986–1998
• A: Florence Blue Jays, South Atlantic League 1981–1985
• A: Myrtle Beach Blue Jays, South Atlantic League 1986–1992
• A: Hagerstown Suns, South Atlantic League 1993–2000
• A: Charleston Alley Cats, South Atlantic League 2001–2004
• Short A: Utica Blue Sox/Utica Blue Jays, New York-Penn League 1977–1980
• Short A: Queens Kings, New York-Penn League 1999
• A: Kinston Eagles, Carolina League 1979–1981
• A: Kinston Blue Jays, Carolina League 1982–1985
• A: Ventura County Gulls, California League 1986

Franchise records

Main article: Toronto Blue Jays team records

Season records

• Highest Batting Average: . The Syracuse Chiefs are a Minor league baseball team based in Syracuse New York, and are the new Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals The International League ( IL) is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the eastern United States. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a Minor league baseball team based in Manchester New Hampshire. The Eastern League is a Minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio The Dunedin Blue Jays are a Minor league baseball team based in Dunedin Florida. The Florida State League is a Class A Advanced Minor League Baseball league which operates in the state of Florida. The Midwest League is a Class A Minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States. The Auburn Doubledays are a Minor league baseball team in Auburn New York, USA. The New York - Penn League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. The Gulf Coast Blue Jays are a Rookie Level minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Gulf Coast League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in Florida. The Venezuelan Summer League is a Minor league baseball Rookie league which operates in Carabobo and Aragua states Venezuela The Pulaski Mariners are a Minor league baseball team based in Pulaski Virginia, United States. The Appalachian League is a Rookie-class minor league that began play in 1937 with one year of inactivity in 1956 The Medicine Hat Blue Jays were the Toronto Blue Jays rookie-level affiliate in the Pioneer League beginning in 1978 and remained with their parent club The Pioneer League is a Minor league baseball league which currently operates in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a Minor league baseball team based in Manchester New Hampshire. The Eastern League is a Minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio The Tennessee Smokies are a Minor League Baseball team based in the Knoxville Tennessee metropolitan area. The Southern League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. St Catharines Blue Jays were a Minor league baseball team that played at Community Park in St St Catharines Blue Jays were a Minor league baseball team that played at Community Park in St The New York - Penn League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. The Florence Blue Jays were a Minor league baseball team based in Florence South Carolina. The South Atlantic League or "Sally League" is a Minor league baseball League which operates mostly in the Southeastern United States, The Myrtle Beach Blue Jays of Myrtle Beach South Carolina began play in the South Atlantic League in 1986 after being relocated from Florence South The South Atlantic League or "Sally League" is a Minor league baseball League which operates mostly in the Southeastern United States, The Hagerstown Suns are a Minor league baseball team based in Hagerstown, Maryland. The South Atlantic League or "Sally League" is a Minor league baseball League which operates mostly in the Southeastern United States, The West Virginia Power is a Minor league baseball team of the South Atlantic League, and is the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The South Atlantic League or "Sally League" is a Minor league baseball League which operates mostly in the Southeastern United States, The Utica Blue Sox were a Minor league baseball team based in Utica New York. The Utica Blue Sox were a Minor league baseball team based in Utica New York. The New York - Penn League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. The Queens Kings were the Toronto Blue Jays ' Short-Season A classification team in the New York-Penn League in the 2000 season The New York - Penn League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. The Kinston Indians are a minor league Baseball team in Kinston North Carolina. The Carolina League is a Minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic region of the United States. The Kinston Indians are a minor league Baseball team in Kinston North Carolina. The Carolina League is a Minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic region of the United States. The Ventura County Gulls were a minor league baseball team in Ventura, California. The California League is a Class A Advanced Minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. All-Time Statistical Leaders Individual Blue Jay Career Records Batting Leaders Batting Average:. 363, John Olerud (1993)
• Most Games: 163, Tony Fernández (1987)
• Most Runs: 134, Shawn Green (1999)
• Most Hits: 215, Vernon Wells (2003)
• Highest Slugging %: . John Garrett Olerud (ˈoʊlɚˌud born August 5, 1968; nicknamed Big Rude, and Johnny O') is a former American First baseman in Octavio Antonio Fernández Castro (born June 30, 1962 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic) better known as Tony Fernández Shawn David Green (born November 10, 1972 in Des Plaines Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball player Vernon Wells III (born December 8, 1978, in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue 664, Carlos Delgado (2000)
• Most Doubles: 57, Carlos Delgado (2000)
• Most Home Runs: 47, George Bell (1987)
• Most Grand Slams: 3, Carlos Delgado (1997) and Darrin Fletcher (2000)
• Most RBIs: 145, Carlos Delgado (2003)
• Most Stolen Bases: 60, Dave Collins (1984)
• Most Wins: 22, Roy Halladay (2003)

Season by season record

Main article: Toronto Blue Jays seasons

Retired numbers

Level of Excellence

While the Blue Jays have never retired a number (except for the number 42, retired by the entire league for Jackie Robinson), they have instituted a "Level of Excellence" on the 500 level of the Rogers Centre, where the following Jays personnel are honoured:

Tony Fernández SS: 1983–1990, 1993, 1998–1999, 2001	George Bell LF: 1981–1990	Roberto Alomar 2B: 1991–1995
Joe Carter RF,1B: 1991–1997	Dave Stieb P: 1978–1992, 1998	Cito Gaston M: 1989–1997
Tom Cheek Broadcaster: 1977–2005	Paul Beeston VP: 1976–1989; President: 1989–1997	Pat Gillick GM: 1977–1995

Radio and television

See also: List of Toronto Blue Jays broadcasters

The Blue Jays' former radio play-by-play announcer, Tom Cheek, called every Blue Jays game from the team's inaugural contest on April 7, 1977 until June 3, 2004, when he took two games off following the death of his father – a streak of 4,306 consecutive regular season games and 41 postseason games. Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York Jorge (George Antonio Bell Mathey (born October 21, 1959, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) is a former Left fielder and Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York Darrin Glen Fletcher (born October 3 1966 in Elmhurst, Illinois) is a former Catcher in Major League Baseball who played Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25 1972 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) is a Major League Baseball First baseman for the New York David S Collins (born October 20 1952 in Rapid City South Dakota) became manager of the Inland Empire 66ers in 2006 Harry Leroy Halladay III (born May 14 1977 nicknamed Doc, is a Major League Baseball Starting pitcher. The following lists the results of every season of the Toronto Blue Jays professional baseball club of Major League Baseball. Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31 1919 – October 24 1972 was a Baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31 1919 – October 24 1972 was a Baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. SkyDome redirects here for other uses see SkyDome (disambiguation Octavio Antonio Fernández Castro (born June 30, 1962 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic) better known as Tony Fernández Jorge (George Antonio Bell Mathey (born October 21, 1959, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) is a former Left fielder and Roberto Alomar Velázquez (born February 5 1968 in Ponce, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player (- considered by many to be one of the Joseph Christopher Carter (born March 7 1960 in Oklahoma City Oklahoma) is a former Right fielder in Major League Baseball who played David Andrew Stieb (born July 22, 1957) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Clarence Edwin "Cito" Gaston (ˈsiɾoʊ̪ ˈɡæstən born March 17, 1944 in San Antonio, Texas) is the manager of the Thomas F Cheek ( June 13 1939 - October 9 2005) was an American -born broadcaster Paul McGill Beeston, CM (born June 20 1945) is the former president of Major League Baseball and former president of the Toronto Blue Jays Pat Gillick (born August 22, 1937) is the current general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. This page details the broadcasters for the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team Thomas F Cheek ( June 13 1939 - October 9 2005) was an American -born broadcaster Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Cheek died in 2005, and the team commemorated him during their 2006 season by wearing a circular badge on the left sleeve of their jerseys. 2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 Nippon Professional Baseball season Headline Event of the Year The 2006 World Baseball Classic is a surprise success The badge was adorned with Cheek's initials, as well as a stylized microphone. Cheek is also honoured with a place in the Blue Jays' "Level of Excellence" in the upper level of the Rogers Centre; the number 4,306 is depicted beside his name.

Today, radio broadcasts of Blue Jays games are on CJCL, known as The Fan 590. Jerry Howarth is the lead play-by-play announcer, with former Blue Jays catcher Alan Ashby serving as the colour commentator and secondary play-by-play announcer. Jerry Howarth (born March 12, 1946) is the lead Radio Play-by-play voice of the Toronto Blue Jays. Alan Dean Ashby (born July 8, 1951 in Long Beach California) is a former Catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the

On television, most Blue Jays games are carried on Rogers Sportsnet (which, like the Blue Jays, is owned by Rogers Communications). Rogers Sportsnet (often referred to only as Sportsnet) is a Canadian English language Cable television Sports Specialty channel Jamie Campbell is the play-by-play announcer, with colour analysis rotating between Pat Tabler, Rance Mulliniks, and Darrin Fletcher. Jamie Campbell (born May 20, 1967 in Oakville Ontario) is a Canadian Sportscaster with Rogers Sportsnet and the Play-by-play Patrick Sean "Pat" Tabler (born February 2, 1958) is an American former Major League Baseball player and current color analyst Steven Rance Mulliniks (born January 15, 1956 in Tulare, California) is a former Major League Baseball player Darrin Glen Fletcher (born October 3 1966 in Elmhurst, Illinois) is a former Catcher in Major League Baseball who played TSN, which was formerly the chief television outlet for the Blue Jays, still carries a handful of Jays games; on these telecasts, Rod Black handles play-by-play while Tabler serves as colour commentator. The Sports Network (commonly known as TSN) is a Canadian English language Cable television Specialty channel and is Canada's leading Rod Black is a Canadian Sports announcer for TSN and CTV Sports

CBC carried eight Blue Jays games in 2007; the broadcasts featured Jim Hughson as the play-by-play announcer, and former Blue Jays Rance Mulliniks and Jesse Barfield on colour commentary. CBC Television is a Canadian English language Television network. Jim Hughson (born 1956 in Fort St John British Columbia) is a Canadian Sportscaster, best known for his Play-by-play of professional Steven Rance Mulliniks (born January 15, 1956 in Tulare, California) is a former Major League Baseball player Jesse Lee Barfield (born October 29, 1959 in Joliet Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball Right fielder who played for the ^[11]

See also

• Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster
• Toronto Blue Jays award winners and league leaders
• Toronto Blue Jays managers
• Pearson Cup
• List of baseball teams in Canada
• 2007 Toronto Blue Jays Draft

References

External links

• Toronto Blue Jays Official Website
• Every regular season box score and play by play in Blue Jays history
• A database and profile page of every player in Blue Jays history
• Year by year result
• Toronto Blue Jays history
• CBC Digital Archives - Major League Baseball Comes to Canada
• Toronto Blue Jays at the Open Directory Project

World Series Champions
Preceded by: Minnesota Twins 1991	1992 & 1993	Succeeded by : Atlanta Braves 1995
American League Champions
Preceded by: Minnesota Twins 1991	1992 & 1993	Succeeded by : Cleveland Indians 1995
American League Eastern Division Champions
Preceded by: Detroit Tigers 1984	1985	Succeeded by : Boston Red Sox 1986
Preceded by: Boston Red Sox 1988	1989	Succeeded by : Boston Red Sox 1990
Preceded by: Boston Red Sox 1990	1991-1993	Succeeded by : Boston Red Sox 1995

The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory For other events named "World Series" see World Series (disambiguation. The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 1991 World Series was played between the Minnesota Twins (95-67 of the American League and the Atlanta Braves (94-68 of the National League The 1992 World Series was the first Series ever played outside of the United States of America. The 1993 World Series was the second Series in a row played outside the United States of America and the second to be won outside the USA The 1995 World Series matched the Atlanta Braves against the Cleveland Indians, with the Braves winning in six games to capture its third World Championship in The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 1991 American League Championship Series was played between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 8 to The American League Championship Series was played between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Oakland Athletics from October 7 to October 14 The American League Championship Series was played between the Eastern Division champion Toronto Blue Jays and the Western Division champion The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The American League Championship Series ( ALCS) the second round of the 1995 American League playoffs matched the Central Division champion Cleveland The American League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan, USA The American League Championship Series matched the Eastern Division champion Detroit Tigers against the Western Division champion Kansas City Royals. The American League Championship Series was played between the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 8 to October 16 The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. The 1986 American League Championship Series was a back-and-forth battle between the Boston Red Sox and the California Angels for the right to The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. The American League Championship Series was a best-of-seven series that pitted the Eastern Division Champion Boston Red Sox against the Western Division Champion The American League Championship Series was played between the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 3 to October 8 The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. The American League Championship Series was a best-of-seven series that matched the Eastern Division champion Boston Red Sox against the Western Division champion The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. The American League Championship Series was a best-of-seven series that matched the Eastern Division champion Boston Red Sox against the Western Division champion The 1991 American League Championship Series was played between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 8 to The American League Championship Series was played between the Eastern Division champion Toronto Blue Jays and the Western Division champion The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. The American League Division Series ( ALDS) the opening round of the 1995 American League playoffs began on Tuesday October 3, and ended on

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