The Men and Moments That Made the Toronto Blue Jays the Big 50

The Toronto Blue Jays are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2023. It's been a half-century of ups and downs, but the Blue Jays have always been a part of the fabric of Toronto. Here's a look back at some of the men and moments that made the team what it is today.

Big 50: Toronto Blue Jays: The Men and Moments that Made the Toronto Blue Jays (The Big 50)

by Wolfgang Ziegler

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Early Years

The Blue Jays were founded in 1977, as one of two Canadian expansion teams to join the Major Leagues. The other team was the Montreal Expos. The Blue Jays played their first game on April 7, 1977, at Exhibition Stadium against the Chicago White Sox. The Blue Jays lost that game 9-5, but they would go on to win their first division title just two years later.

Some of the key players from the early years of the Blue Jays franchise include:

• Dave Stieb: Stieb was the Blue Jays' first ace pitcher. He was a four-time All-Star and won the AL ERA title in 1982.
• George Bell: Bell was a two-time All-Star and won the AL batting title in 1987.
• Lloyd Moseby: Moseby was a two-time Gold Glove winner and was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1980.

The First World Series Championship

The Blue Jays won their first World Series championship in 1992. The team was led by a group of young stars, including Joe Carter, Devon White, and John Olerud. The Blue Jays defeated the Atlanta Braves in six games to win the title.

Carter's home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 is one of the most iconic moments in Blue Jays history. The Blue Jays have not won another World Series since 1992, but they have come close a few times.

The Second World Series Championship

The Blue Jays won their second World Series championship in 1993. The team was led by a similar group of players as in 1992, but with the addition of Paul Molitor. The Blue Jays defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win the title.

The Blue Jays have not won a World Series since 1993, but they have come close a few times. The team has been to the ALCS six times since then, but has not been able to get back to the World Series.

The Future

The Blue Jays are hoping to win another World Series soon. The team has a young and talented roster, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah. The Blue Jays are also hoping that the new Rogers Centre will help them attract more fans and create a more exciting atmosphere.

The Blue Jays are a big part of Toronto's history and culture. The team has brought joy to millions of fans over the years. Here's to another 50 years of success for the Toronto Blue Jays!

Big 50: Toronto Blue Jays: The Men and Moments that Made the Toronto Blue Jays (The Big 50)

by Wolfgang Ziegler

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE