173-671: The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto . The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division . Since 1989, the team has played its home games primarily at Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. The name "Blue Jays" originates from the bird of the same name , and blue is also the traditional colour of Toronto's collegiate and professional sports teams including
346-603: A 10-game road trip, the Blue Jays travelled to Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay to take on the Rays and were swept, losing 12–3, 4–2, and 5–1 in the three-game set. Daniel Norris, who started the second game of the series, pitched the longest MLB game of his career, and appeared to overcome what he had described as a "dead arm" phase. Jose Bautista did not appear in any of the games due to his shoulder strain. Bautista returned to
519-487: A 1–0 lead. In the seventh, Russell Martin hit a 3-run home run to lead Toronto to a 4–0 victory. Marcus Stroman earned his third win in as many starts, pitching 7 shutout innings against the Yankees and lowering his ERA to 1.89. Toronto's last 3 regular season home games would be played against the Rays. R. A. Dickey started the first game of the series and earned his 100th career win, 5–3 over Tampa Bay. The win also clinched
692-455: A 4–2 victory. The win made the 2015 Blue Jays the first team to have 2 11-game winning streaks since the 1954 Cleveland Indians . Looking to extend their winning streak to a franchise-record 12 games, the Blue Jays played against the Yankees for 3 games, this time in Toronto. David Price pitched well through 7 innings, before leaving in the eighth with 2 baserunners. Aaron Sanchez would give up
865-512: A 5–1 deficit after the first inning to win 12–5. Toronto's offence set new franchise records for hits and runs scored in a three-game series, with 48 and 36 respectively, and moved back into first place in the AL East by a half game. Seeking to extend their lead over the Yankees, the Blue Jays would travel to Texas to take on the Rangers for 3 games. Down 5–4 with 2 outs in the ninth inning of
1038-480: A 6–4 record and a 3 1 ⁄ 2 -game lead for the AL East. Returning home for their final home series of the regular season, the Blue Jays battled the Red Sox for 3 games. Marcus Stroman made his first home start in 2015, holding the Red Sox to 1 run over 7 innings in the first game, which Toronto won 6–1. The win gave Toronto a 4 1 ⁄ 2 -game lead in their division, however they would give that game back
1211-450: A 9-run seventh inning. The second game went into extra innings tied 4–4, after the Blue Jays surrendered a 4–0 lead. Russell Martin hit a solo home run in the eleventh inning, aiding the Jays to their 10th straight victory. In the finale, Toronto scored 9 runs off Boston starter Eduardo Rodriguez and won 13–5, sweeping the Red Sox. The Blue Jays extended their winning streak to 11 games, tying
1384-554: A Blue Jay in the middle game of the series, and held the Yankees scoreless through 7 innings. Justin Smoak hit the first grand slam of his career, as well as the first Blue Jays grand slam at Yankees Stadium (past or present). In the finale, the Blue Jays completed their second-consecutive sweep, defeating the Yankees 2–0. The sweep was Toronto's first in New York since May 22–25, 2003, and the Yankees were shutout in back-to-back games for
1557-568: A black player's head. Now, however, baseball is fully integrated, and there is little to no racial tension between teammates. Between 1943 and 1954, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League fielded teams in several Midwestern towns. 2015 Toronto Blue Jays season The 2015 Toronto Blue Jays season was the 39th season for the franchise, and the 26th full season of play (27th overall) at Rogers Centre . The Blue Jays clinched
1730-440: A disappointing 3–7 road trip, the Blue Jays took on the first-place Yankees. R. A. Dickey earned his first win of the season as the Blue Jays came from behind late to win 3–1. In the second game, Marco Estrada made his first start for Toronto, but the team was shut down by Yankees starter Michael Pineda, losing 6–3. In the rubber match, Mark Buehrle and the Blue Jays defeated the Yankees, 5–1. Buehrle raised his career record against
1903-878: A giant Canadian flag is carried by members of the Canadian Armed Forces while "O Canada" is sung in English and French by a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band . The game was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the game was held in Buffalo, New York due to Canada–U.S. travel restrictions. The Blue Jays operate a store called the Jays Shop that sells primarily Blue Jays merchandise. This store has two locations at Rogers Centre, though, until January 2023, there
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#17327690504802076-568: A giant Canadian flag was carried by members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Sportsnet only airs the national anthems during the home opener, Canada Day, and playoff games. On June 29, 2019, "O Canada" was sung in Cree and English. On September 30, 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation , "O Canada" was sung in English, French, and Anishinaabemowin . On the following National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2022, "O Canada"
2249-521: A home opener. After a 3–2 loss the following night, the Blue Jays won their first home game of the season, defeating the Rays 12–7 on Jackie Robinson Day . Toronto would lose the series finale, 4–2. Jose Reyes left the game in the first inning with an oblique strain, and was expected to miss at least 3 games. In their first interleague series of the season, the Blue Jays took on the Atlanta Braves in Toronto. Despite hitting 5 home runs, including
2422-639: A home run, 2 doubles, and 3 RBI. Toronto would win 8–2 and split the series with Philadelphia. Before the start of their game on July 30, the first of a 4-game series with the Royals, the Blue Jays announced the acquisition of David Price . Toronto traded their top prospect, Daniel Norris, as well as Matt Boyd and Jairo Labourt to the Detroit Tigers for Price. The team would win their game against Kansas City that night, 5–2, aided by 3 home runs. The Jays would then trade for Mark Lowe and Ben Revere before
2595-404: A home run, watching it all the way and slowly rounding the bases. Between innings Bautista and Adam Jones exchanged words, and after the game Jones claimed that Garcia's pitch was unintentional. Bautista cited the previous series against Baltimore, in which reliever Darren O'Day threw behind him and he would hit a home run off O'Day in the same at-bat. Bautista would miss the following game with
2768-549: A member of the Canadian Armed Forces . During the third inning, the team presents the honoured member with a personalized jersey. Since 2005, " The Star-Spangled Banner " has been sung before " O Canada " at every home game. In some home games (including Canada Day home games and playoffs), "O Canada" is sung in English and French. When "O Canada" was sung during the Home Opener, Canada Day, and playoff games,
2941-526: A no-hitter into the eighth inning, and left with a 5–0 lead. The Blue Jays won the game 5–4, with Brett Cecil surrendering 2 runs in the ninth inning. The second game was tied 2–2 into the ninth inning, but Aaron Loup gave up 3 runs to break the tie. Toronto's rally fell short in their half of the ninth, losing 5–3. The rubber match was a battle of offence, as both Scott Copeland and Chris Tillman lasted only 1 1 ⁄ 3 innings and allowed 7 and 6 runs respectively. Toronto came from behind 7–0 to lead 9–7, but
3114-412: A pitch in the first inning, and both benches were warned by home plate umpire Jim Wolf . In his next at-bat, Volquez narrowly missed hitting Donaldson in the head, but was not ejected. Later, Troy Tulowitzki was hit by Royals reliever Ryan Madson , who followed with another pitch that just missed hitting Donaldson in the face. Manager John Gibbons was ejected for arguing with Wolf, while Madson remained in
3287-627: 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. In 2008, Cheek received the third most votes from fans to be nominated for the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. Cheek finally received the Frick Award posthumously in 2013 after nine years on the ballot. Radio broadcasts of Blue Jays games originate from Sportsnet 590 CJCL in Toronto, which, like
3460-752: A playoff berth on September 25, their first since 1993 , ending what was the longest playoff drought in North American professional sports at the time. On September 30, the team clinched the American League East and opened the playoffs by defeating the Texas Rangers in five games, in the ALDS . The Blue Jays were eliminated in a playoff series for the first time since 1991 , losing to the Kansas City Royals in six games, in
3633-421: A postseason berth for the Blue Jays, their first since the 1993 season. The second game featured a match between former Rays ace David Price and current ace Chris Archer, who was mentored by Price early in his career. Though many had thought the game would be a pitcher's duel, the two combined to allow 14 runs through the first 4 innings, with Toronto eventually coming out on top, 10–8. The Blue Jays would complete
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#17327690504803806-412: A right shoulder strain. Devon Travis returned to the lineup and hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the fifth inning to lead Toronto to a 4–2 victory. The Blue Jays would complete their first sweep of the season, beating Baltimore 7–6 on April 23. Drew Hutchison pitched 8 innings, taking a perfect game into the sixth inning, and became the first Toronto starter to go 8 innings in the 2015 season. Beginning
3979-494: A single run, bringing their record in one-run games to a dismal 3–12. The Blue Jays opened June with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. The first game of the series was rained out and rescheduled as a doubleheader for the following day. In the first game of the doubleheader, Toronto was shut out for the first time in the 2015 season, losing 2–0. The team rebounded from their shutout and defeated
4152-470: A single run. In the final game, R. A. Dickey pitched his first complete game victory at home as a Blue Jay, winning 8–4. The Seattle Mariners then came to Toronto for a 3-game set. The Blue Jays pitching continued to improve, but their offence was shut down by Felix Hernandez and James Paxton in the first two games, losing 4–3 and 3–2. Toronto would win the final game of the series, 8–2, aided by another strong pitching performance by Aaron Sanchez. Closing
4325-416: A solo shot in the seventh. Prospect Matt Boyd made his MLB debut in the second game, but yielded 4 runs and took the loss as the team was shut out for the second time in 2015, 4–0. The Blue Jays won the finale, 3–2, and earned their third win when scoring less than 4 runs in a game. Closing out the month, Toronto would lose to the Red Sox 3–1 and 4–3, finishing June with an 18–9 record and only 1 game back in
4498-425: A three-run home run to Carlos Beltrán , and New York would hang on to beat the Jays 4–3, ending their streak, and knocking Toronto out of first place in the AL East. In the middle game of the series, the Blue Jays were shut down by Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka , who pitched a complete game and gave up only 1 run. The Blue Jays avoided the sweep, taking the series finale by a score of 3–1. Due to several off-days in
4671-507: A three-year deal signed in 2023. Jacques Doucet , former Montreal Expos radio announcer, broadcast the Blue Jays on TVA Sports from 2011 until his retirement in 2022. The Sports Network (TSN), which (like the Jays) was owned by Labatt from 1984 to 1995, served as the primary cable television outlet for the Blue Jays prior to the launch of Sportsnet. TSN (and later, its sister channel TSN2 ) continued to carry approximately ten Jays games through
4844-615: A two-home run night from Edwin Encarnacion. Toronto lost the rubber match, 6–1, and did not record an extra-base hit for the first time in the 2015 season. The loss also broke a 31-game streak with at least 1 double. The Blue Jays then travelled to Houston, taking on the AL West-leading Astros. Toronto was swept by Houston, losing 6–4, 8–4, 6–5, and 4–2. Following their third loss to Houston, Josh Donaldson called out his teammates for their poor play, stating "this isn't
5017-537: Is about a four-hour drive from Toronto. According to The Detroit News , a July 2017 three-game series at Comerica Park against the Blue Jays drew a season-best-to-date total attendance of 115,088. Although the Seattle Mariners are not a divisional rival, many Blue Jays fans from Western Canada travel to Seattle when the Blue Jays play there as Seattle is geographically closer to Western Canada than Toronto is. Depending on traffic and border delays, Seattle
5190-462: Is about a three-hour drive from Vancouver . The Seattle Times estimated that Blue Jays fans represented around 70 percent of the crowd in Safeco Field for a June 2017 weekend series. The Blue Jays' former radio play-by-play announcer, Tom Cheek , called every Toronto Blue Jays game from the team's inaugural contest on April 7, 1977, until June 3, 2004, when he took two games off following
5363-450: Is actually quite small. Only 18 radio stations across the country aired at least some Blue Jays games during the 2021 season, which is fewer affiliates than most MLB teams, which have more stations covering smaller geographic areas. All Blue Jays games are carried nationally on Sportsnet (which, like the Blue Jays, is owned by Rogers Communications). As of 2023, Dan Shulman serves as the lead play-by-play announcer, with Buck Martinez as
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5536-462: Is played four times followed by Charge being played thrice. From 1979 to 1999, BJ Birdy served as the Blue Jays' sole mascot, played by Kevin Shanahan. In 2000, he was replaced by a duo named Ace and Diamond. After the 2003 season, Diamond was removed by the team, leaving Ace as the team's sole mascot. Since the 2010s, Ace has been accompanied by his younger brother, Junior. This usually happens on
5709-445: The 2015 American League Division Series involving the Blue Jays were among the highest-rated telecasts in network history, with Game 4 drawing an audience of 4.38 million viewers. In September 2012, AMI-tv simulcast three Blue Jays games with described video provided by CJCL correspondent Sam Cosentino , which included explanations of on-screen graphics. Paul Beeston praised AMI's involvement, stating that "to our knowledge, we are
5882-530: The 2020 season as well as June and July 2021, returning home to Toronto as of July 30 of that year. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Blue Jays went through struggles typical of an expansion team, frequently finishing last in their division. In 1983, they had their first winning season and two years later, became division champions . From 1985 to 1993, the Blue Jays were an AL East powerhouse, winning five division championships in nine seasons, including three consecutive from 1991 to 1993 . During that run,
6055-529: The ALCS . The Toronto Blue Jays acquired Marco Estrada , Devon Travis , Josh Donaldson , and Michael Saunders via trades. The Estrada trade was a one-for-one swap of Estrada and Adam Lind , who went to Milwaukee Brewers after the Blue Jays exercised the option on his contract. In addition, both the Travis and Saunders trades were single-player deals. Travis came to Toronto for Anthony Gose , who went to
6228-476: The Atlanta Braves . Brook Jacoby took over as hitting coach. Toronto's bullpen coach Bob Stanley was re–assigned to the minor leagues. Dane Johnson replaced Stanley as bullpen coach. Eric Owens became Toronto's first ever assistant hitting coach. The Blue Jays avoided arbitration with Brett Cecil, Michael Saunders, and Marco Estrada. The trio signed one-year contracts for salaries of $ 2.475 million, $ 2.875 million, and $ 3.9 million respectively. However,
6401-558: The Chicago White Sox on December 14, 2014, pending a medical, which he passed the following day. Toronto was compensated with a draft pick at the end of the first round. On December 16, Toronto signed Daric Barton to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Then Brandon Morrow signed with the San Diego Padres on December 16, 2014. Justin Smoak was claimed off waivers by Toronto from
6574-764: The Commissioner of Baseball . Operating outside the Minor League Baseball organization are many independent minor leagues such as the Atlantic League , American Association , Frontier League , and the feeder league to these the Empire Professional Baseball League . Japan has had professional baseball since the 1930s. Nippon Professional Baseball consists of two leagues, the Central League and
6747-656: The Detroit Tigers , and Saunders was exchanged for J. A. Happ , who was dealt to the Seattle Mariners . Toronto acquired Donaldson in a five–player trade, sending Brett Lawrie , Kendall Graveman , Sean Nolin , and Franklin Barreto to Oakland Athletics . Barreto played for the Vancouver Canadians in Single A in 2014, while Graveman and Nolin were September additions to the Blue Jays' roster. In
6920-569: The Lansing Lugnuts , throwing 4 2 ⁄ 3 innings before reaching his pitch limit. He did not allow a hit, walked one, and struck out seven. After an off-day, the Blue Jays took on the Orioles in a three-game series. Drew Hutchison pitched in the series opener, and allowed two home runs to Chris Davis , who took the MLB lead with forty. Toronto would lose the game, 10–2. David Price took
7093-603: The Maple Leafs ( ice hockey ) and the Argonauts ( Canadian football ). In 1976, out of the over 4,000 suggestions, 154 people selected the name "Blue Jays." In addition, the team was originally owned by the Labatt Brewing Company , makers of the popular beer Labatt Blue. Colloquially nicknamed the " Jays ," the team's official colours are royal blue, navy blue, red, and white. An expansion franchise ,
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7266-666: The National League 's Miami Marlins . After 1993, the Blue Jays failed to qualify for the playoffs for 21 consecutive seasons until clinching a playoff berth and division championship in 2015 . The team clinched a second consecutive playoff berth in 2016 , after securing an AL wild card position. In both years, the Blue Jays beat the Texas Rangers in the AL Division Series , but lost the AL Championship Series . Most recently, they qualified for
7439-608: The Nationals , the Pearson Cup was awarded after a pair of three-game sets. The Detroit Tigers are the Blue Jays' geographic and traditional rival, dating back to the 1980s, when the teams were AL East contenders. The Tigers moved to the AL Central in 1998, and the rivalry has died down as a result, with the teams facing each other only six to seven times per year since 2011. Depending on traffic and border delays, Detroit
7612-501: The New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Opening Day and won, 6–1. Toronto scored five runs in the third inning. Prospects Devon Travis and Miguel Castro made their MLB debuts, with Travis recording his first career hit, a solo home run. Drew Hutchison , who became the youngest opening day starter in Blue Jays history, pitched six innings giving up three hits, including a solo home run to Brett Gardner . Castro got
7785-730: The Pacific League , each with six teams. South Korea has had professional baseball since 1982. There are 10 teams in KBO League . Taiwan has had professional baseball since the 1990s. The Chinese Professional Baseball League absorbed Taiwan Major League in 2003. There are currently 6 teams in the CPBL. Other Asian leagues include three now defunct leagues, the China National Baseball League , Israel Baseball League , and Baseball Philippines . During
7958-540: The Seattle Mariners . He was non-tendered by Toronto, but later signed to a one–year contract. Toronto also claimed Andy Dirks . However, Toronto non–tendered Dirks. Chris Colabello , Juan Oramas , Scott Barnes , and Preston Guilmet were claimed off waivers. Juan Francisco was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox . Toronto hitting coach Kevin Seitzer left Toronto to become hitting coach of
8131-523: The United States and Canada consists of the National League (founded in 1876) and the American League (founded in 1901). Historically, teams in one league never played teams in the other until the World Series , in which the champions of the two leagues played against each other. This changed in 1997 with the advent of interleague play . The Philadelphia Phillies , founded in 1883, are
8304-421: The colour commentator during the 2013 season, after which he was replaced by former Montreal Expos catcher Joe Siddall since the 2014 season. Former Blue Jays pitcher Dirk Hayhurst filled in for Morris for some games during the 2013 season. Another former catcher for the Blue Jays, Gregg Zaun , has served as the occasional colour commentator from the 2011 season until the end of the 2017 season when he
8477-427: The pandemic ", all radio broadcasts for the 2021 season will be a simulcast of the television broadcast. Wagner will assume an alternative role. However, once the Blue Jays returned to Rogers Centre in late July 2021, dedicated radio broadcasts resumed. The Blue Jays have the largest geographical home market in all of baseball, encompassing all of Canada. Despite this, the number of radio stations that broadcast games
8650-468: The 'try' league, this is the 'get it done' league. And you know, eventually they're gonna find people who are going to get it done." Toronto opened a 10-game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on May 18. Roberto Osuna earned his first career win in the Blue Jays 10–6 victory. The Blue Jays would get strong starting pitching but lose the next two games in the series, each by
8823-723: The 1880s and been home to the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team of the International League , from 1896 to 1967. In January 1976, the San Francisco Giants nearly relocated to Toronto after owner Horace Stoneham agreed to sell the team to a Canadian consortium. The group, which included Labatt Breweries of Canada , The Globe and Mail 's Howard Webster, and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), planned to rebrand
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#17327690504808996-670: The 1984 and 1985 seasons (the Vancouver Canadians were the AAA farm team of the Brewers at the time), as well as single games against the Detroit Tigers and Brewers in 1993 and against the Montreal Expos and Seattle Mariners in 1994 in a series billed as the "Baseball Classic". The Jays also played the Cleveland Indians in an exhibition game at War Memorial Stadium in nearby Buffalo, New York in 1987. More recently,
9169-514: The 2009 season until May 2010; most recently, Rod Black handled play-by-play while Tabler served as colour commentator on these telecasts. CBC has carried Blue Jays games intermittently throughout the team's history, most recently in 2007 and 2008; those broadcasts featured Jim Hughson as the play-by-play announcer, and former Blue Jays Rance Mulliniks and Jesse Barfield on colour commentary. Games also aired on CTV (except in Montreal) from
9342-417: The 2012 trade between the two clubs that exchanged 12 players. In the first game, the Blue Jays knocked Marlins' starter Brad Hand out in the first inning, en route to an 11–3 win. In the second game of the series, Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run walk-off home run to extend the Blue Jays' winning streak to 7 games. Chris Colabello failed to record a hit, ending his 18-game hitting streak. Toronto would complete
9515-406: The 2020 season, the Blue Jays unveiled a modernized version of the powder blue uniforms, featuring navy/white/navy serifed split letters and numerals. These uniforms are paired with a powder-brimmed navy cap and an all-navy helmet. Since 1996, the Blue Jays wore predominantly red or red-accented uniforms every July 1, Canada Day . The uniforms were based on the team's alternate uniforms they wore at
9688-420: The AL East. The Blue Jays opened July with a win over the Red Sox on Canada Day , 11–2, backed by 5 home runs and another strong start by Mark Buehrle. Toronto lost the finale, 12–6, after starter Matt Boyd yielded 7 earned runs without recording an out. Travelling to Detroit for the first time in 2015, the Blue Jays were no-hit into the eighth inning by Aníbal Sánchez . Their late rally fell short, losing
9861-534: The ALDS. As the higher seed, the Blue Jays held home-field advantage over the Rangers, and the first two games were played in Toronto. Jays' ace David Price took on Yovani Gallardo in the first game. Price yielded five runs to the Rangers over seven innings pitched. Gallardo was only able to complete five innings, but held Toronto to two runs and the Texas bullpen was able to hold the lead from that point, winning 5–3. In
10034-496: The All-Star break. After undergoing surgery to remove his meniscus his injury outlook improved to between 5 and 6 weeks out of the lineup. On March 10, Marcus Stroman suffered a torn ACL while practising fielding bunts, and was ruled out for the entire 2015 season. Attending spring training for the first time, both Roberto Osuna and Miguel Castro impressed Blue Jays management with their abilities, and both earned positions in
10207-425: The Blue Jays became the first MLB team to attract over four million fans , with an attendance of 4,001,526, followed by 4,028,318 in 1992. Each of those records were broken in 1993 by the expansion Colorado Rockies , although the Blue Jays' 1993 attendance of 4,057,947 stood as an AL record for 12 years until it was broken by the 2005 New York Yankees . Several Blue Jays became very popular in Toronto and throughout
10380-563: The Blue Jays earned their first four-game winning streak of 2015 by beating the Astros 7–2 in the second game of the series. In the final game of the series, Chris Colabello extended his hitting streak to 17 games in the bottom of the ninth inning, when he singled and drove in Jose Reyes and Jose Bautista to give the Blue Jays a walk-off victory, 7–6, and their second sweep of the season. The Miami Marlins made their first trip to Toronto since
10553-477: The Blue Jays failed to avoid arbitration with Josh Donaldson and Danny Valencia . Daniel Norris had surgery to remove "bone spurs and loose bodies" from his left elbow. In January, the Blue Jays were in extended discussions with the Baltimore Orioles regarding general manager Dan Duquette . The organization wanted to replace Paul Beeston with Duquette, though Duquette was under contract until
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#173276905048010726-420: The Blue Jays fell to the Red Sox 11–4 in game 1, and saw their lead over New York shrink to just a half-game. The second game of the series went into extra innings, tied 1–1, before the Toronto offence scored four runs in the top of the tenth inning to win 5–1. As the Yankees lost that day, the Blue Jays regained a 1 1 ⁄ 2 game lead in the division. The Jays were unable to take the series, however, as in
10899-593: The Blue Jays in 2015, Josh Donaldson set a new major league record by receiving 14,090,188 All-Star votes. The team is popular throughout Canada, as the only MLB team based in the country following the relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington. The team has played a number of exhibition games at BC Place in Vancouver including three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers prior to both
11072-409: The Blue Jays logo on a white panel in front. In 2008, the Blue Jays' powder blue road uniform from this era was restored as an alternate home uniform worn every Friday until 2010. The Blue Jays adopted buttoned uniforms upon moving to Rogers Centre (then SkyDome) in 1989. Aside from the additions of buttons and belts, the only change affecting the home uniforms was the relocation of the team logo to
11245-465: The Blue Jays took on the Yankees in a crucial 3-game set. Toronto entered the series just 4 1 ⁄ 2 back of the Yankees for the division lead. The first game went tied into extra innings, where Jose Bautista hit a solo home run to give the Blue Jays a 2–1 lead. Roberto Osuna closed the game for his ninth save of the season, and in doing so became the youngest pitcher in MLB history to record an extra-innings save. David Price made his second start as
11418-555: The Blue Jays traded away Yimi Garcia, Nate Pearson, Danny Jansen, Justin Turner, Yusei Kikuchi, Trevor Richards, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Kevin Kiermaier. In 1977, after just 50 home games, the Blue Jays set an MLB record for a first-year expansion team, with an overall attendance of 1,219,551 during those games. By the end of the season, 1,701,152 fans had attended. After setting an attendance record in 1990, with 3,885,284 fans, in 1991,
11591-410: The Blue Jays unveiled an alternate sleeveless white uniform, featuring the same lettering style as the regular home uniform. However, the chest numerals were replaced with the primary logo. Blue undershirts were worn with this uniform. Before the 2001 season, slight modifications were made to the uniforms, eliminating the tricolour stripes and adding a single colour piping along the chest and neck. While
11764-525: The Blue Jays winning multiple division titles and back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993, making them the first team outside the US to achieve this feat. Key players during this golden era included Roberto Alomar , Joe Carter , and Dave Stieb . After the mid-1990s strike and subsequent downturn, the Blue Jays faced challenges but also saw the rise of talents like Roy Halladay and Carlos Delgado . The late 1990s brought brief revitalization with
11937-404: The Blue Jays, is owned by Rogers Communications. After Cheek's retirement in 2005, Jerry Howarth , who had been Cheek's broadcasting partner since 1982, took over as lead play-by-play announcer, with Mike Wilner as the secondary play-by-play announcer. During the 2007 to 2012 seasons, former Blue Jays catcher Alan Ashby was the colour commentator. Former Blue Jays pitcher Jack Morris served as
12110-530: The Detroit Tigers. Former Blue Jay Matt Boyd started the first game for Detroit and took the loss, yielding 3 home runs to Toronto's potent offence. Roberto Osuna would earn his 10th save of the month in the 5–3 victory. In the middle game of the series, Edwin Encarnación had a career-best day, falling just a solo home run short of the elusive home run cycle . Encarnación's 9 RBI tied the franchise record set by Roy Howell in 1977, while his third grand slam of
12283-451: The Jays at the end of the 2015 season. Toronto ended August with a 4–2 loss to the Cleveland Indians. The Blue Jays opened September with a 5–3 win over Cleveland, after Ryan Goins hit a walk-off two-run home run in the tenth inning. In the rubber match, R. A. Dickey threw his second complete game of the season, and levelled his record at 10–10 by holding Cleveland to just one run on four hits. Marcus Stroman made his first rehab start with
12456-519: The Jays, defeating the Yankees 11–5. In the first game of the doubleheader, the Blue Jays won 9–5 in the eleventh inning, and guaranteed that they would leave New York leading the AL East. However, they lost shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to a cracked shoulder blade following a collision with center fielder Kevin Pillar. The second game of the doubleheader would see the return of Marcus Stroman, who pitched five innings and allowed 3 runs before being removed from
12629-450: The Jr. Jay Saturday promotions until the end of the 2017 season . The promotions were moved to select Sundays since the 2018 season since the Blue Jays can no longer hold early Saturday afternoon games to accommodate American national broadcasts on Fox , though Fox did occasionally broadcast Blue Jays games at the Rogers Centre. Since 2012, every Sunday home game, the Blue Jays pay tribute to
12802-510: The Mariners. The Toronto offence was shut down by Felix Hernandez in the first game, losing 5–2. Drew Hutchison was the scheduled starter for Toronto, but was scratched before the game due to illness. Aaron Sanchez was activated off the disabled list before the second game of the series, and as expected was moved to the bullpen. He would end up taking the win, 8–6, thanks to a ninth-inning, 2-run single by Chris Colabello. The Blue Jays would lose
12975-528: The Mets 8–0. In the final game of the series, R. A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon faced off in the first matchup of pitchers older than 40 since Jamie Moyer pitched against Greg Maddux in 2008. Dickey would lead the Blue Jays to a 7–1 win over the Mets, splitting the series at 2-games apiece. Still undefeated at home in June, Toronto played a three-game series against the Orioles. In the first game, Marco Estrada took
13148-540: The Nationals 7–3 in the second game, aided by Kevin Pillar's first career multi-home run game. In the rubber match, Toronto beat Washington, 8–0, and won their first series on the road since taking two of three from the Baltimore Orioles in early April. Mark Buehrle recorded his league-leading third complete game, and earned his first shutout of the season. He also pitched his second consecutive complete game,
13321-474: The Philadelphia Phillies. The Blue Jays would lose the game, 3–2, with Hawkins making his debut for the team, pitching 1 relief inning. Jose Bautista and Devon Travis would leave the game with a cramp and a shoulder injury, respectively. Tulowitzki would make his Blue Jays' debut in the second game of the series, batting leadoff for the first time in his career. He would finish the game 3–5, with
13494-536: The Pilots. The new Toronto franchise, purchased for $ 7 million, was named the Toronto Blue Jays following a contest that attracted over 4,000 suggestions. The name reflected Toronto's tradition of using blue in team colors and was influenced by majority owner Labatt Breweries' flagship beer, Labatt Blue. The franchise's first employee, Paul Beeston , began as vice president of business operations, and before
13667-466: The Rogers Centre to play their final 7 home games before the All-Star break, opening with 3 against the Texas Rangers. In the first game, the offence scored double digit runs for the league-leading 13th time in 2015, backing another strong performance by Mark Buehrle to win 12–2. Edwin Encarnacion recorded his 20th career multi-home run game, hitting his 7th career grand slam in the first inning and
13840-452: The Toronto skyline in royal blue, centred by the "Toronto" wordmark in red. The "pitch blue" colour is a reference to Lake Ontario 's reflection at night. The traditional Blue Jays logo patch on the sleeve is recoloured to match the uniform. The cap is also "pitch blue" and features a red maple leaf at the centre of a stylized red and blue "T" in split letters. The Montreal Expos were the Blue Jays' geographic National League rival, being
14013-469: The United States and Canada. The minor leagues are divided into classes AAA, AA, High-A, A, and Rookie. These minor-league divisions are affiliated with major league teams, and serve to develop young players and rehabilitate injured major-leaguers. "Affiliated baseball" (archaically, " organized baseball ") is often applied as an umbrella term for all leagues — major and minor — under the authority of
14186-589: The White Sox in Chicago, with Mark Buehrle starting the first game of the series. Though the Jays would end Chris Sale 's streak of games with at least 10 strikeouts, they would lose 4–2 following a costly error by Jose Reyes. After the game, Jose Bautista and Russell Martin were announced as reserve All-Stars. In the second game, Félix Doubront made his first start as a Blue Jay, allowing just 1 run in 6 2 ⁄ 3 innings as Toronto won, 2–1. Toronto would lose
14359-419: The Yankees to 2–14, winning for the first time since 2004. After an off-day, the Blue Jays played the Red Sox at home for the first time this season. Aaron Sanchez recorded his first career quality start as the Blue Jays won the first game, 7–0. The win was their first shutout of the season, as well as the 3,000th win in franchise history. In the second game of the series, Drew Hutchison earned his third win of
14532-450: The acquisition of Roger Clemens . In the early 2000s, general manager J.P. Ricciardi led a rebuilding phase, culminating in a competitive roster by the mid-2000s. The team's resurgence in the 2010s featured playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016, driven by stars like José Bautista and Josh Donaldson . The Blue Jays continue to build for future success, with young talents like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. , Bo Bichette , and Cavan Biggio leading
14705-415: The alternate blue uniforms, split letters and numerals became red/blue/red. Red also appeared on the pant and sleeve stripes, while the new logo occupied the left sleeve. Player names also took on the new block split-letter style. An updated all-blue cap was paired with the home and road uniforms, while a red-brimmed blue cap (with a modified logo without a baseball) was used with the blue alternates. In 1999
14878-504: The alternate white uniforms brought back chest numerals. The "T-bird" logo depicts a blue jay flexing its biceps and is nicknamed "Muscle Jay." Before the 2004 season, the Blue Jays adopted a new visual identity, going with a black, silver and graphite motif. The home and black alternates simply read "Jays" in front and in a 3D-oriented diagonal arrangement, with the bird connected to the letter "J." Letters and numerals were in graphite with light blue and silver trim. The road uniforms featured
15051-512: The ball in the second game, and earned his 100th career win, leading the Jays to a 5–1 victory. In the final game of the series, the Blue Jays would win their fifth-consecutive series by defeating Baltimore 10–4, and moved twenty games above .500. Looking to distance themselves from the Yankees, the Blue Jays travelled to Boston for the final time in the 2015 season to battle the last-place Red Sox. Mark Buehrle, who had been pushed back two days due to fatigue, lasted only 3 1 ⁄ 3 innings as
15224-401: The bases later in the inning, but were unable to score the winning run. In the top of the tenth, the Yankees scored 3 runs off a home run by Greg Bird , and the Blue Jays would go on to lose the game 6–4. In the final game, Toronto and New York battled to a scoreless tie through the first 5 innings. In the bottom of the sixth, Kevin Pillar broke the tie with an RBI single, and the Blue Jays took
15397-566: The best record in the American League, and that the Blue Jays would play the Texas Rangers in the American League Division Series . On October 29, 2015, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos reported that he would not be returning to the team next year, but has not provided a reason for his decision. The Blue Jays, as the second seed in the American League, played against the third-seeded Texas Rangers in
15570-431: The bullpen again failed to hold the lead, with Cecil allowing 4 runs in the ninth and the Jays losing a home series for the first time in a month. The team then travelled to Tampa Bay for three games against the Rays. They opened the series with an 8–5 win, though Drew Hutchison continued to struggle with his efficiency, needing 109 pitched to get through 5 innings. R. A. Dickey returned from the bereavement list and started
15743-527: The bullpen on the Opening Day roster. The team returned to Montreal 's Olympic Stadium on April 3 and April 4, 2015, to face the Cincinnati Reds . The Blue Jays would lose the first game 2–0, but win the finale 9–1. In Grapefruit League play, Toronto finished with a 19–13 record. The 2015 Major League Baseball draft was held on June 8–10. The Blue Jays played against
15916-411: The charge. During the off-season, the Blue Jays re-signed Kiermaier and signed utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa , designated hitter Justin Turner , and pitcher Yariel Rodríguez . The Blue Jays also traded Santiago Espinal for a pitching prospect. During the regular season, the Blue Jays designated Cavan Biggio for assignment and traded him for a prospect afterwards. Before the 2024 trade deadline,
16089-418: The city name in a similar letter style as the logo, with graphite letters and numerals trimmed in light blue and silver. In 2008, however, amid complaints of illegibility, the Blue Jays tweaked their road uniforms to include 3D-style block letters and numerals in light blue trimmed in black and white, along with chest numerals. The "J-bird" alternate was added to the left sleeve. A red maple leaf would be added on
16262-434: The city name was rendered in bold blue letters before gaining a white outline the following season. By 1979, it was replaced by the team name in a split-lettered white/blue/white style. Player numerals also used the split-letter style, except on the road uniform during its first two seasons. Player names in blue were added to both uniforms for the 1980 season but were dropped from the road uniform in 1981. The caps were blue with
16435-639: The club has hosted a pair of exhibition games at Olympic Stadium in Montreal prior to the start of the season against the New York Mets (2014), Cincinnati Reds (2015), Boston Red Sox (2016), Pittsburgh Pirates (2017), St. Louis Cardinals (2018), Milwaukee Brewers (2019). A series against the New York Yankees was scheduled for 2020, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The club also has discussed playing more games at BC Place with
16608-543: The club was founded in Toronto in 1977. Originally based at Exhibition Stadium , the team began playing its home games at SkyDome upon its opening in 1989. They are the second MLB franchise to be based outside the United States, and currently the only team based outside the U.S. after the first Canadian franchise, the Montreal Expos , became the Washington Nationals in 2005. Since 2000, the Blue Jays have been owned by Rogers Communications and in 2004, SkyDome
16781-402: The death of his father—a streak of 4,306 consecutive regular-season games and 41 postseason games. Cheek later died on October 9, 2005, and the team commemorated him during their 2006 season by wearing a circular patch on the left sleeve of their home and road game jerseys. The patch was adorned with the letters 'TC', Cheek's initials, as well as a stylized microphone . Cheek is also honoured with
16954-411: The end of the 2018 season. Discussions ended when it was reported that Baltimore was seeking a compensation package of 3 first-round selections ( Jeff Hoffman , Max Pentecost , and Mitch Nay ). In February, the Blue Jays went to salary arbitration with Danny Valencia and Josh Donaldson, the first two cases for the Blue Jays since the 1997 season . On February 5, Valencia won his arbitration case and
17127-456: The entire 2015 season with a torn ACL, would begin a rehab assignment on August 21. The Blue Jays would complete the first 4-game sweep of the Twins in franchise history on August 6, winning 9–3. Mark Buehrle earned his 30th career win against Minnesota in the game, while Edwin Encarnacion hit his 250th career home run. Travelling to New York for the first time since their season-opening series,
17300-421: The final four outs to close out the game. With the win, the Blue Jays opening day record improved to 20–19. After an off-day, Toronto suffered a 4–3 loss to New York. Entering the 8th inning with a 3–1 lead, Aaron Loup put all three batters he faced on base, before Brett Cecil entered the game and allowed all three to score. Due to his poor performance, Cecil was temporarily moved out of the closer role, and
17473-437: The final game of the series, 5–2. Devon Travis left the game in the first inning after being hit by a pitch near his ribcage. X-rays were negative for a fracture, and he was considered day to day. After an off day, the Blue Jays played against the Orioles at home. Toronto would win the first game of the series, 13–6. Tensions nearly boiled over when Jason Garcia threw behind Jose Bautista, and three pitches later, Bautista hit
17646-423: The final game of the series. Toronto lost both games, 8–1 and 6–4. Still in contention for the best record and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Blue Jays played their final three regular season games in Tampa Bay against the Rays. Troy Tulowitzki returned to the lineup in the first game of the series, recording 2 hits as Toronto defeated Tampa 8–4. Roberto Osuna would take the blown save and loss in
17819-464: The final game of their 6-game road trip, 6–5, after Aaron Loup yielded a walk-off home run in the 10th inning. In the early hours of July 28, Toronto pulled off a blockbuster trade with Colorado , sending José Reyes, Miguel Castro, Jeff Hoffman , and Jesus Tinoco to the Rockies in exchange for Troy Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins . That night, the team began a 10-game homestand with 2 games against
17992-412: The final game they were defeated 10–4. New York also lost, so the Toronto lead remained 1 1 ⁄ 2 games. The Blue Jays would then head to New York for a four-game series, one which many analysts dubbed the most important of the year for Toronto. The first game was postponed due to rain, and a doubleheader was scheduled for September 12. David Price pitched in the opener and earned his sixth win with
18165-404: The first 2 of the season by Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin , Toronto would lose the first game 8–7. In the second game, Miguel Castro would take his first blown save of the season, yielding a ninth-inning solo home run to former Blue Jay Kelly Johnson that tied the game at 5–5. In the tenth inning, Josh Donaldson hit a walk-off home run to give Toronto the win, 6–5. The Blue Jays would lose
18338-410: The first game, the Jays would rally to take the lead and win, 6–5. In the second game, Toronto's offence would score more than 10 runs in a game for the franchise-record 20th time in 2015, defeating Texas 12–4 and extending their winning streak to 5 games. The Blue Jays would be denied their second-consecutive road sweep, losing the finale 4–1. Returning home after a 6–2 road trip, the Blue Jays took on
18511-409: The first inning, but after that faced the minimum number of batters in pitching a complete game. Josh Donaldson hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning, his fourth straight game with a home run. Chris Colabello, making his first start against his former team, hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth inning to help defeat the Twins 6–4. Toronto would lose the final two games of the month, each by
18684-484: The first sports organization to have our games provided through this revolutionary approach to accommodating the needs of the blind and low-vision community." On June 27, 2013, Rogers' over-the-air Toronto multicultural Omni Television station CJMT-DT simulcast a Blue Jays game, scheduled to be started by Taiwanese player Chien-Ming Wang , with commentary in Mandarin , marking the first ever Canadian MLB broadcast in
18857-580: The first time he had done so in over a decade. The Jays returned home after a 3–3 road trip to take on the Houston Astros for the first time since suffering a four-game sweep against them in May. In the first game, Aaron Sanchez established a new career high with 8 innings pitched and did not walk a batter for the first time as a starter. The Blue Jays won the game by a score of 6–2. Aided by another strong starting pitching performance from Drew Hutchison,
19030-461: The first time in franchise history, winning 5–1. In the fourth game, R. A. Dickey became the oldest starting pitcher to make his postseason debut in MLB history, at almost 41 years of age. Derek Holland started for the Rangers, but gave up home runs to Josh Donaldson, Chris Colabello, and Kevin Pillar and exited after two innings, down 6–0. Dickey would be pulled after 4 2 ⁄ 3 , and be replaced by David Price, who pitched three innings out of
19203-559: The first time since May 12–13, 1999, ending an MLB record streak of 2,665 games. On their August 10 off-day, Josh Donaldson and David Price were named American League Co-Players of the Week. Returning home, Toronto sought to extend their 8-game winning streak against the Oakland Athletics. Drew Hutchison pitched into the eighth inning for the first time since May, as the Blue Jays won, 4–2. Toronto's offence exploded once again in
19376-475: The following day, by a score of 11–4. In the final game of the series, the Blue Jays held a 6–1 lead but would end up losing 10–7. Devon Travis hit the first grand slam of his career, increasing his season total to 7 as well as bringing his RBI total to 23, both of which led the team to that point. Following the loss, the Blue Jays demoted Miguel Castro and Scott Copeland, and recalled Chad Jenkins and Steve Delabar from Buffalo to replace them. Returning home after
19549-405: The following day, losing 7–6 to Boston, coupled with the Yankees defeating the Mets. The Blue Jays led the game 4–2, heading into the ninth inning, however Roberto Osuna and Aaron Sanchez would combine to give up 5 runs to the Red Sox. In the bottom of the ninth, Jose Bautista hit a 2-run home run, however the comeback would fall short. The Blue Jays would lose another game off their division lead in
19722-530: The franchise-record. The team then played a home-and-home series against the New York Mets, with the first two games being played at Citi Field . The Mets ended Toronto's 11-game win streak with a walk-off single in the first game, defeating the Jays, 4–3. The Blue Jays would lose the next game 3–2, after being shut down most of the game by Mets starter Matt Harvey . Returning to the Rogers Centre, Toronto rebounded from back-to-back 1-run losses by beating
19895-445: The free agent market, Toronto signed Russell Martin to a five–year contract, non-tendered John Mayberry Jr. , and signed Jeff Francis , Ezequiel Carrera , Wilton López , Caleb Gindl , Jake Fox , Daric Barton , and Andrew Albers to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Toronto offered Melky Cabrera a $ 15.3 million qualifying offer which Cabrera subsequently declined. Cabrera eventually signed with
20068-529: The game 7–1. Toronto would win the rubber match 10–7, with Kevin Pillar , Dalton Pompey , and José Bautista each hitting their first home runs of the season. Holding a 4–2 record, the Blue Jays played at home for the first time in 2015 against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13. R. A. Dickey would get the start in his third home opener, and yield 2 runs on back-to-back bases-loaded walks. Toronto would go on to lose 2–1, their fourth consecutive loss in
20241-412: The game due to a 33-minute rain delay. The Blue Jays led 6–3 at the time of the delay, and would go on to win the game 10–7, taking a 4 1 ⁄ 2 game lead over New York. Before the final game of the series, Alex Anthopouos announced that Tulowitzki would miss 2–3 weeks with the injury. Toronto would again be shut down by Yankees' starter Masahiro Tanaka, losing 5–0. Edwin Encarnacion did not play in
20414-457: The game due to a finger injury, but was not expected to miss additional time. The Blue Jays had an off-day following their series in New York, and travelled to Atlanta to take on the Braves in their final regular season series outside of the AL East. Mark Buehrle made his return to the rotation after leaving to get a cortisone shot in his left shoulder, but the Blue Jays would lose the first game of
20587-562: The game. In the following inning, Aaron Sanchez hit Alcides Escobar on the knee with an inside pitch and was ejected, which lead to a bench-clearing argument on field, with Blue Jays bench coach DeMarlo Hale also being ejected. The Blue Jays would win the game, 5–2, taking 3 of 4 from the AL-leading Royals. Toronto followed their series victory over the Royals with a 4-game set against the Minnesota Twins, who entered
20760-404: The home uniforms remained mostly intact, the road uniforms gained blue sleeves in a faux-vest design. On the alternate white uniform (now a faux vest instead of a straight sleeveless design), the new "T-bird" logo replaced the primary "jay leaf" logo, which moved to the left sleeve. In 2003, the "T-bird" logo became the primary, taking over the previous logo's placement on the caps and sleeves, while
20933-410: The homestand, the Blue Jays took on the Chicago White Sox . Drew Hutchison pitched his second career complete game shutout in the first game of the series, winning 6–0. In the second game, the Blue Jays received excellent offensive performances from Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson, winning 10–9. Bautista had 3 doubles and 5 RBI, while Donaldson went 4–4 with 5 runs scored and two home runs, one of which
21106-669: The inaugural 1977 season, Peter Bavasi and Pat Gillick were appointed as president and assistant general manager, respectively. The Blue Jays debuted on April 7, 1977, with a win against the Chicago White Sox amid a snowstorm, marking the beginning of a journey from early struggles to eventual success. Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Blue Jays showed gradual improvement, highlighted by their first winning season in 1983. The team's fortunes rose significantly under manager Bobby Cox in 1985 when they won their first American League East title. The late 1980s and early 1990s, under manager Cito Gaston , were particularly successful, with
21279-474: The invitation in order to get treatment on his sore shoulder. Donaldson competed in the Home Run Derby , losing to eventual winner Todd Frazier in the semi-finals. After the break, the Blue Jays returned to Toronto to play three games against the Rays. Drew Hutchison continued to perform well at home, while Donaldson and Justin Smoak homered to lead the Jays back to .500 with a 6–2 win. They would lose
21452-713: The language. In June 2018, Omni announced that it would air Sunday afternoon games in Tagalog , the most spoken language of the Philippines , through the remainder of the season. Sportsnet and Omni announced a regular season of Sunday broadcasts in Tagalog for the 2019 season. TVA Sports has aired games in French since 2011, with Denis Casavant and François Paquet on play-by-play and Rodger Brulotte on colour. The channel currently has rights to 81 Blue Jay games per season in
21625-594: The late 19th and early 20th centuries, players of black African descent were barred from playing the major leagues , though several did manage to play by claiming to be Cubans or Native Americans . As a result, a number of parallel Negro leagues were formed. However, after Jackie Robinson began playing with the major-league Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, the Negro leagues gradually faded. The process of integration did not go entirely smoothly; there were some ugly incidents, including pitchers who would try to throw directly at
21798-424: The left chest. The road uniforms changed from powder blue to grey, while the city name and numerals in blue/white/blue split letters were emblazoned, and the logo moved to the left chest. Player names were also added to the road uniform. All-blue caps were worn with their road uniform while keeping the white-panelled blue caps at home. By 1993, the all-blue caps were worn universally, supplanting and eventually retiring
21971-526: The lineup as the designated hitter when the Blue Jays opened a 3-game set at Fenway Park in Boston. Toronto lost the first game of the series, 6–5, extending their losing streak to 4. After the game, Jose Reyes was placed on the disabled list with a rib injury. Toronto would snap their losing streak the following night, defeating the Red Sox 11–8. In the finale, Toronto lost 4–1. The Blue Jays then travelled to Cleveland, and won their last April game 5–1, ending
22144-404: The major leagues, starting with Dave Stieb , whose seven All-Star selections is a franchise record. He is closely followed by Roy Halladay and José Bautista , who were selected six times each, and by Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter , who were selected five times each. Bautista set a major league record in 2011 (which only stood for a year), with 7,454,753 All-Star votes. In his first season with
22317-620: The month with an 11–12 record. Toronto lost the first game of May by a score of 9–4. Before the game, top prospect Daniel Norris was optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo, and Marco Estrada was announced as his replacement in the starting rotation. Canadian pitcher Andrew Albers was added to the 40-man roster after Maicer Izturis was moved to the 60-day disabled list. After the game, Albers was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo along with Dalton Pompey. Pitcher Scott Copeland and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera were called up to replace Albers and Pompey. The Blue Jays would defeat reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber
22490-471: The oldest continuous same-name, same-city franchise in both Major League Baseball and all of American professional sports. In addition to the major leagues, many North American cities and towns feature minor league teams. An organization officially styled Minor League Baseball , formerly the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, oversees nearly all minor league baseball in
22663-407: The opener 8–6. In the second game, R. A. Dickey took his team-leading ninth loss on the season, as Toronto was defeated 8–3. The team managed to avoid a sweep, beating Detroit 10–5 in the final game of the 3-game series. Following the game, it was announced that Josh Donaldson had been elected to the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game as the starting third baseman. The Blue Jays then took on
22836-528: The original cap design. In 1994 the Blue Jays began wearing blue alternate uniforms with the team name and numerals in white/blue/white split letters. The Blue Jays updated their logo prior to the 1997 season with a new bird design and an enlarged red maple leaf at the back. The usage of red was greatly increased on the team's new uniforms. On the home uniforms, the letters and numerals were changed to blue/teal/blue split letters, while road uniform letters and numerals were changed to blue/red/blue split letters. On
23009-405: The original logo used from 1977 to 1996. The bird's head was also made sleeker than its 1977–1996 predecessor. The uniforms are similar to the ones used from 1989 to 1996, the team's most successful era. New serifed split letters were also released. In 2015, the Blue Jays began wearing a modernized version of the white-panelled blue caps they originally wore from 1977 to 1993 as an alternate. Before
23182-528: The other Canadian MLB team before it was relocated. From 1978 to 1986, the teams played an annual mid-season exhibition game known as the Pearson Cup , named after former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson . The teams began facing each other in the regular season in 1997 with the advent of interleague play . During the 2003 and 2004 seasons, the Expos' last two seasons before relocating to Washington, D.C., as
23355-410: The playoffs as a wild card team in 2020 , 2022 , and 2023 . From 1977 to 2024, the Blue Jays' overall win-loss record is 3,761–3,788–3 (.498). The Toronto Blue Jays came into existence in 1976, as one of two teams slated to join the American League for the following season, via the 1977 Major League Baseball expansion . Toronto had been mentioned as a potential major league city as early as
23528-551: The president of the Vancouver Canadians. During the seventh-inning stretch of home games, before singing " Take Me Out to the Ball Game ," Blue Jay fans sing and clap to the pop song " OK Blue Jays " by Keith Hampshire and The Bat Boys, which was released in 1983. The song was remixed in 2003, and since then, the new, shortened version has been played at home games. At home games, the "Let's Go Blue Jays" chant
23701-589: The primary colour commentator; on select series, Toronto Raptors play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin calls the game in place of Shulman, and Joe Siddall works colour commentary in place of Martinez. Prior to that, Martinez had been the primary play-by-play announcer alongside colour commentator Pat Tabler , with Shulman only calling games sporadically since 2016. In previous years, the colour analyst role rotated between Pat Tabler, Rance Mulliniks , Darrin Fletcher , and from 2011 to 2017, Gregg Zaun . Sportsnet became
23874-419: The right sleeve starting in 2009. The Blue Jays wore all-black caps with the "J-bird" logo for much of the uniforms' existence, save for the 2004 and 2005 seasons when they wore all-graphite caps at home, and in 2007 when an alternate all-black cap with the "T" from the previous road uniform was used. Prior to the 2012 season, the Blue Jays unveiled new uniforms and a new logo. The logo is a modernized version of
24047-401: The rubber match, losing 4–3 to Boston after committing 3 errors. Following their series loss to Boston, the Blue Jays faced the Yankees for the final time in the 2015 regular season. Toronto would take the first game, 4–2, after another quality start from David Price. Losing 3–2 in the ninth inning of the second game, Dioner Navarro hit a solo home run to tie the game. The Blue Jays would load
24220-488: The season as Toronto defeated Boston 7–1. Toronto would lose the final game of their homestand, 6–3. The Blue Jays began a 7-game road trip in Baltimore on May 11. The game played that night was the first to be played in Baltimore following the empty-stadium game played on April 29, due to the 2015 Baltimore protests . Toronto would lose, 5–2. In the second game, Toronto would come from behind 2–0 to win 10–2, helped by
24393-411: The season in the first game of the series, defeating former Blue Jay Kendall Graveman 7–1. The second game went into extra innings, where Roberto Osuna allowed a walk-off home run in the tenth innings and took the loss, 4–3. The Jays would win the rubber match 5–2, aided by Oakland trading scheduled starter Scott Kazmir prior to the game. The team then travelled to Seattle for a 3-game series against
24566-533: The season tied the mark set by Carlos Delgado (1997) and Darrin Fletcher (2000). Toronto would win the game 15–1. The Blue Jays would complete the sweep on August 30, their ninth sweep of the season, winning 9–2. Encarnación recorded his 35th RBI of August, establishing a new franchise record. On August 31, the Blue Jays organization announced that Mark Shapiro , president of the Cleveland Indians, would succeed Paul Beeston as president and CEO of
24739-431: The season, his 15th straight season with at least 10 wins, defeating the Royals, 6–2. In the rubber match, the Jays came back from being down 7–0, scoring 8 runs in the sixth inning to take the lead; however, poor pitching would again befall them, losing 11–10, and ending the unofficial first half of the season with a 45–46 record. While both Donaldson and Martin participated in All-Star festivities, Jose Bautista declined
24912-553: The second game of the series, 3–2, continuing to struggle scoring runs for R. A. Dickey. Taking on Chris Archer in the finale for the fourth time this season, the Jays would win 4–0, off another strong start by Marco Estrada. Toronto began a 6-game trip to the west coast in Oakland, taking on the Athletics for the first time since the trade that made Josh Donaldson a Blue Jay. Mark Buehrle would earn his team-leading eleventh win of
25085-434: The second game of the series, Rangers ace Cole Hamels squared off against Marcus Stroman , and both starters went seven innings. Stroman limited the Texas offence to three runs, while Hamels allowed four runs, through only two were earned. Brett Cecil would surrender the tying run in the 8th inning, and the game went tied 4–4 into the 14th. Texas would take the lead in the top half, scoring two runs off LaTroy Hawkins. Toronto
25258-443: The second game, as the Rays rallied in the ninth inning to win 4–3. Mark Buehrle was given the start in the final game of the season, despite having started just two days prior, and entered the game just 2 innings short of reaching 200 for the 15th consecutive season. Unfortunately, Buehrle was not able to get out of the first inning, ending his streak as the Jays lost the game 12–3. The loss ensured that Kansas City would finish with
25431-408: The second game, but Chris Archer got the better of the Blue Jays for the third time in 2015, as the Rays won, 4–3. In the final game, Marco Estrada took a perfect game into the eighth inning, though he left with the game tied 0–0. Chris Colabello hit a go-ahead home run in the twelfth and Steve Delabar earned his first save of the season as the Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Rays. Toronto returned to
25604-493: The second game, scoring 7 runs in the second inning and winning 10–3, making them the first team since the 1977 Kansas City Royals to have 2 10-game winning streaks in a season. The Blue Jays also took a half-game lead on the Yankees in the AL East with the win. In the finale, Athletics starter Sonny Gray was scratched due to back spasms, and former Blue Jay Jesse Chavez started in his place. Mark Buehrle pitched another gem, allowing 2 runs in 7 innings of work to lead Toronto to
25777-478: The second half of August, the Blue Jays did not need a fifth starter, and on their off day on August 17, Opening Day starter Drew Hutchison was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. The team would travel to Philadelphia for a 2-game series with the Phillies. Josh Donaldson drove in 4 runs in the first game, giving him the league-lead with 91, and aid the Jays to an 8–5 victory. The Phillies would take game 2, 7–4, and split
25950-432: The series with a 1-game lead for the second Wild Card position. Newly acquired ace David Price made his first start for Toronto and lead them to a 5–1 victory, pitching 8 innings and striking out 11, which tied a franchise record for strikeouts in a Blue Jays debut. Before the game on August 4, it was announced that John Gibbons had been suspended 1 game for returning to the field on August 2 after being ejected. Aaron Sanchez
26123-421: The series, 3–2. David Price would start the second game of the series and earn his 7th win as a Blue Jay, pitching 7 innings and beating the Braves 9–1. In the final game of the series, the Blue Jays would shutout the Braves, 5–0. Marco Estrada allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks against Atlanta, while Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Donaldson, and Cliff Pennington hit home runs for Toronto, ending their 10-game road trip with
26296-493: The series. Following another off-day, the Blue Jays took on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The matchup saw the two leading American League MVP hopefuls, Angels center fielder Mike Trout and Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson, go head-to-head. David Price earned his third win in four starts with the Blue Jays, as the offence powered to a 9–2 win. Donaldson would go 2–3 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI, while Trout
26469-422: The sweep on June 10, aided by 4 home runs, and capped a 6–0 homestand by winning 7–2. Scott Copeland made his first major league start and took the win, pitching 7 innings and yielding only 1 run. Toronto travelled to Fenway park for the second time in 2015 following their perfect homestand. In the first game of the series, the Red Sox led the Jays 8–1 at one point; however, Toronto came back to win 13–10, aided by
26642-400: The sweep, winning the final game of the series 5–4 thanks to Josh Donaldson's franchise record third walk-off home run of the season. The Blue Jays, still looking to clinch the division, travelled to Baltimore for a 4-game series. Behind 3–1 in the first game, Toronto rallied and tied the game in the eighth inning, before taking the lead in the ninth and holding on to win 4–3. The win lowered
26815-539: The team also became back-to-back World Series champions in 1992 and 1993 , led by a core group of award -winning All-Star players, including Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar , Joe Carter , John Olerud , and Devon White . The Blue Jays became the first (and, to date, only) team outside the U.S. to appear in and win a World Series and the fastest AL expansion team to do so, winning in its 16th year. As of 2019 , they are one of only two MLB franchises that are undefeated through multiple World Series appearances, along with
26988-582: The team as the Toronto Giants and play at Exhibition Stadium . However, a court ruling halted the move, and the Giants remained in San Francisco. Despite this setback, Toronto's ambition for an MLB team persisted, leading to their successful bid in the 1976 American League expansion, driven by a need to balance the league after Seattle was granted a team as a result of a lawsuit over their loss of
27161-429: The team's magic number to 2. The second game of the series was rained out, and rescheduled for a doubleheader the following day. While the Blue Jays were idle due to the rain out, the Yankees lost to the Red Sox, and the magic number was lowered to 1. The Blue Jays would clinch the division by winning the first game of the doubleheader, 15–2. The starters were rested in the second game of the doubleheader, as well as in
27334-465: The team's inception until the late 1990s. The Blue Jays have not appeared over-the-air in Canada in English since 2008. Professional baseball Professional baseball is organized baseball in which players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system. It is played in leagues and associated farm teams throughout the world. Major League Baseball in
27507-475: The team's primary carrier soon after it launched in the late 1990s and became the team's exclusive broadcaster in 2010. As of August 2010, Sportsnet One also broadcasts Blue Jays games (often in case of scheduling conflicts with the main Sportsnet channels). Rogers was, however, criticized by fans and critics due to Sportsnet One only being carried by Rogers Cable systems on launch. Sportsnet's broadcasts of
27680-416: The third game, 7–6, after Roberto Osuna surrendered a walk-off home run in the eleventh inning. In the finale, the Jays offence was shut down by Jeff Samardzija , losing 2–0 and falling to 2–5 on their road trip. Moving on to Kansas City for their final series before the All-Star break, the Jays were shut out for the second consecutive game, losing 3–0. In the second game, Mark Buehrle earned his 10th win of
27853-466: The time but with red as the primary colour. On a few occasions, the Blue Jays added red trim to an existing white uniform (or, in the case of the 2006 uniforms, their black alternates) and sometimes added the flag of Canada or a red maple leaf on the uniform. In 2024, the Blue Jays unveiled a City Connect uniform inspired by Toronto's nightlife. The jersey is nicknamed "Night Mode" and is a "pitch blue" (dark blue) uniform that features an illustration of
28026-446: The top of the first inning and another five runs in the fourth inning. José Bautista got his first three hits of the season and left in the bottom of the sixth inning as the result of minor cramping in his calves. Aaron Sanchez , another of Toronto's top prospects, made his first career MLB start against Ubaldo Jiménez the following night, but would last just 3 1 ⁄ 3 innings and yield 3 earned runs. The Blue Jays would lose
28199-453: The trade deadline passed, and won their final game of July, beating Kansas City 7–6 in the eleventh inning. The Blue Jays opened August with a 7–6 loss to the Royals. Ben Revere and Mark Lowe made their debuts with Toronto, with the latter allowing 3 runs in 1 inning pitched to take the loss. To close out the series, the Blue Jays and Royals played a heated game on August 2. Royals starter Edinson Vólquez intentionally hit Josh Donaldson with
28372-416: Was a walk-off, 3-run home run. The Jays would lose the finale of the series 5–3 in the tenth inning. Josh Donaldson hit a ninth-inning home run to tie the game and send it to extras, bringing him to three straight games with at least one home run. Toronto would travel to Minnesota to close out the month of May by taking on the first-place Twins. In the first game of the series, Mark Buehrle allowed 4 runs in
28545-472: Was an additional location in the Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall. The Blue Jays wore pullover uniforms during their first decade of existence. The front of the home white uniforms contained the team name in a unique blue/white/blue split-letter style, with the team logo centred below. The road uniforms were powder blue, with the city name in front and the team logo centred below. Initially,
28718-404: Was awarded $ 1.675 million for the 2015 season. Toronto had offered him $ 1.25 million. A week later, Toronto won the arbitration case with Donaldson, agreeing to pay him $ 4.3 million. Donaldson had been seeking $ 5.75 million. Prior to the official start of spring training, Michael Saunders tore the meniscus in his left knee on February 26 and was initially expected to go on the disabled list until
28891-476: Was hitless in 3 at-bats. In the second game, the Blue Jays offence exploded once again, defeating the Angels 15–3. Donaldson had a career-best performance, going 4–5 with a home run and 6 RBI, giving him a career-high 100 RBI on the season, as well as making him the first player in 2015 to have 100 or more RBI. Trout was 0–3 with 2 strikeouts in the game. In the final game of the series, the Blue Jays came back from
29064-514: Was purchased by that company, which renamed it Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves are the only two MLB teams under corporate ownership; the Blue Jays are the only American League team to be under such ownership. Due to border restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic , the Blue Jays played home games at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida for April and May of the 2021 season , and Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York for
29237-448: Was replaced by Miguel Castro. In the series finale, prospect Daniel Norris earned his first MLB win, while Castro closed out the game for his first MLB save as the Blue Jays won 6–3. Toronto got five singles in the second inning to get four runs. Toronto won the series 2–1. Travelling to Camden Yards for the first time in 2015, Mark Buehrle won his 200th career game as Toronto defeated Baltimore 12–5. Toronto scored four runs in
29410-459: Was sung in French, English, and Blackfoot . For Blue Jays road games, "O Canada" is sung before the "Star Spangled Banner" as all road games (since the Expos moved to Washington, DC) for the Blue Jays are in the United States. The Blue Jays traditionally host an afternoon home game during Canada Day . During the game, the team wears red jerseys instead of blue jerseys. During the pre-game ceremony,
29583-442: Was suspended 3 games, as MLB determined he had intentionally hit Alcides Escobar with a pitch. The Blue Jays would take sole possession of the second Wild Card spot with a 3–1 win that night, aided by another strong start from Marco Estrada. In the third game of the series, Jose Bautista hit his 5th career grand slam to lift Toronto to a 9–7 victory. Before the game, it was announced that Marcus Stroman , who had been expected to miss
29756-464: Was terminated amid accusations of improper conduct from several female employees. Following Howarth's retirement in the 2017 season, Ben Wagner was hired as the primary radio play-by-play announcer, splitting said duties with Dan Shulman and Mike Wilner. In November 2020, Mike Wilner was laid off by the team. In February 2021, it was announced that "in an effort to minimize travel and closely adhere to team, league, and government protocols related to
29929-435: Was unable to answer in their half of the inning, and dropped the second game of the series, 6–4. The series then moved to Texas, where Marco Estrada got the start for the Blue Jays, opposing Martín Pérez . Estrada held the opposition to one run over 6 1 ⁄ 3 innings, while the Blue Jays were able to score four off of Pérez through his five innings. The Blue Jays were able to add another run and avoid elimination for
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