SHAREABLE. ITALIAN. RISTORANTE.
GET 20 OFF $
*
when you show us your ticket
LESS PRESTO, MORE PESTO. E ST
ST WE
RS IVE
ST WE G ST KIN
T GE S YON
AID
ITY
K ST YOR
UN
L ADE
EST ST W
ST BAY
O ND HM RIC
KING
E AV
ST WE N ST GTO IN L L WE EST TW NT S FRO UNION
A short walk from the Rogers Centre
77 ADELAIDE STREET WEST FIRST CANADIAN PLACE
EDNAVITA .COM
*Minimum purchase of $50 before taxes and gratuities to receive $20 off food and non-alcoholic beverages. Valid Monday - Friday from 4pm to close and all day Saturday and Sunday. Not valid Monday - Friday from open to 4pm. Dine-in only. Toronto Blue Jays ticket must be presented at time of purchase to redeem offer. One coupon per table. No cash value. One time use only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Valid at Edna + Vita only. Offer valid until the end of the 2026 Regular Season, September 27th, 2026.
4
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK
CONTENTS CORE MEDIA INC. PRESIDENT: Ritch Bremner VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: Matthew Barron ACCOUNTING/SUBSCRIPTIONS: Carson Bremner DESIGN: Costa Leclerc Design WRITERS: Ethan Diamandas, Julia Kreuz, Keegan Matheson, Larry Millson PHOTOGRAPHY: Getty Images, Toronto Blue Jays PROJECT MANAGER: Scout Bremner VENDING MANAGER: Darrell Winch FOUNDING PARTNER: Jim Reed PREPRESS & PRINTING: Mi5 BLUE JAYS CONTRIBUTING STAFF DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS PLANNING: Michael Lunder DIRECTOR, MARKETING: Maureen Kinghorn VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS: Andrea Goldstein COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Braeden Zahn Published by Core Media Inc. on behalf of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Core Media Inc. is strictly prohibited. For further details please contact Carson Bremner @ Core Media Inc., 55 St. Clair Ave. West, Suite 124, Toronto, Canada, M4V 2Y7. (416) 863-6660. Email: carson@coremedia.ca
4 THE 2026 BLUE JAYS SEASON 2026 PLAYERS + COACHES 8 Addison Barger 9 Shane Bieber 10 Dylan Cease 13 Ernie Clement 14 Patrick Corbin 15 Braydon Fisher 16 Mason Fluharty 17 Yimi García 19 Kevin Gausman 21 Andrés Giménez 22 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 25 Jeff Hoffman 26 Alejandro Kirk 29 Nathan Lukes 30 Spencer Miles 31 Tommy Nance 32 Kazuma Okamoto 35 Yohendrick Piñango 36 Tyler Rogers 37 Jesús Sánchez 38 Max Scherzer 41 Davis Schneider 42 George Springer 44 Myles Straw 45 Brandon Valenzuela 47 Louis Varland 48 Daulton Varsho 50 Trey Yesavage 52 MANAGER: John Schneider 55 COACHES
50
59
59 PAUL BEESTON 63 TOM CHEEK AND BUCK MARTINEZ 66 50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGENDS 88 SPECIAL YEARS 98 GREAT MOMENTS 111 TRIVIA 114 BLUE JAYS AFFILIATES
88
98
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |3
GAUSMAN
VARLAND
TAKING STOCK OF THE BLUE JAYS’ SEASON Old favourites, new revelations and early challenges: This is how Toronto fared through the first third of the 2026 campaign By Julia Kreuz The Blue Jays have learned to stick with their process. It wasn’t a booming start to the season that followed a magical run to the World Series, with injuries mounting and the schedule posing its own challenges. But Toronto isn’t far from where it was at the end of May last year, right before the team caught fire en route to an American League East title. With the return of key players on the horizon and renewed commitment to a collective approach, here’s where the Blue Jays stood a third of the way through. THE POSITIVES Of all the good developments in the Blue Jays’ season, perhaps the least surprising is Kevin Gausman. The right-hander is once again
proving his status as Toronto’s ace, stepping up at crucial times as Toronto navigated a rotation depleted by a flurry of injuries. Through his first 15 starts this year, Gausman was pitching to a 3.41 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched). The strikeout numbers haven’t been as high as in seasons past, but that’s part of what makes the current results so impressive. The 35-year-old Gausman has spent all of his five seasons in Toronto emphasizing the importance of adapting in a game that is won around the edges. If that means pitching to contact more often, he’s ready to embrace the change, as long as the results show up as well. The most important part of what Gausman has provided, though, is length. Eight of Gausman’s first 15 appearances
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |4
CLEMENT
LUKES
Lukes
were quality starts, and he completed at least five innings of work in all but one of them. That matters when your team is running a starter short and often turning to the bullpen for a high number of outs. Gausman takes that responsibility to heart. Another right-hander who’s been ready for whatever is thrown his way is Louis Varland, the flamethrower who keeps finding gritty ways to grow the trust the Blue Jays have in him. Varland’s first 29 appearances yielded a 0.28 ERA (one earned run) over 32 1/3 innings with 43 strikeouts vs. nine walks. Those numbers included nine saves in as many opportunities, as Toronto called on Varland more often to secure their close wins. The Blue Jays were still working on consistency when it came to run support for their trusted arms, but they got solid early contributions from a few well-known names -- the guys who, last year, became lovingly known as “the role players.” Take Ernie Clement, who handed in a .308 average and a .779 OPS through his first 62 games. That went along with five home runs and 22 RBIs, putting him on pace for a 13-homer season with 57 runs driven in, both of which would be career highs. And then there’s Nathan Lukes, the Minor League journeyman who established himself
last year and continued to deliver results and professionalism in 2026. Lukes missed some time due to a left hamstring strain that sent him to the injured list in late April, and the Blue Jays sorely missed his at-bats. He hit the ground running in his return, though. By June 5, Lukes had a .329 batting average with an .818 OPS, one homer and 11 RBIs in 29 games, all while playing reliable defence at centre field or in the corners. THE HURDLES There’s only so much bad injury luck a team can take, and the Blue Jays tested every edge of that concept in the early season. Trey Yesavage’s season debut on April 28 marked the first key return for Toronto, as the 22-year-old righty started the season on the IL due to a right shoulder impingement. But the Blue Jays quickly had to deal with two more holes in their rotation, with Cody Ponce suffering a season-ending knee injury in his first start and Max Scherzer landing on the 15-day IL due to forearm and ankle issues. The next starter down was Dylan Cease, brilliant for his first 11 outings with his new club before being sidelined with a left hamstring strain. And that’s just the rotation. There were a lot of “freak things,” as Gausman put it, on the position-player side as well. Alejandro
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |5
Kirk, for example, was hit in the hand by a foul ball behind the plate, which resulted in a fractured thumb that required surgery. The Blue Jays also lost Addison Barger to an ankle sprain he suffered while trying to beat out a ground ball. One game after his return, he landed on the IL again, this time with right elbow inflammation. Those are just some of the ailments that challenged the Blue Jays in the early going. Better days were on the horizon, though, as Kirk, Scherzer, Barger and Cease moved closer to a return in early to midJune. Righty starter Shane Bieber, who also started the season on the IL due to elbow inflammation, and reliever Yimi Garcia (right elbow surgery) were also expected to factor in as the summer progressed. The revelations With the Blue Jays still waiting to learn the true potential of a healthy lineup, a trio of new bats emerged as needed positives in the first couple of months. Leading that list is Kazuma Okamoto. The Japanese superstar with six All-Star nods in the Nippon Professional Baseball league showed off his strength and power from the jump. By June 5, Okamoto had 13 home runs and 35 RBIs, both marks leading the team. The adjustment period is still ongoing for the 29-year-old, who had never played or lived outside of his native Japan before signing a four-year deal with Toronto in the offseason, but once the strikeouts are reduced (as is expected, given his history as a great contact hitter), the offensive numbers should climb even more, and Okamoto could find himself in AL Rookie of the Year talks. Another rookie turning heads in Toronto is Yohendrick Piñango, the Venezuela native who earned a callup to fill a corner outfield spot in the absence of Barger and Lukes. In Piñango, the Blue Jays found one more lefty power threat, and the type of savvy atbats that show maturity beyond his 24 years
of age. That translated into a .292 batting average, three homers and 16 RBIs through Piñango’s first 32 games, a welcome boost for a lineup looking to push more runs across. The defensive work in the outfield still required some attention, but Piñango showed enough ability and willingness to improve. As long as he keeps hitting like that, there should be plenty of chances to elevate his fielding as well. One more productive newcomer rounds out this list of revelations for the Blue Jays. Acquired in a trade with the Astros before the start of the season, Jesús Sánchez has made the most of his opportunity with a new squad. Power potential and bat speed have been Sánchez’s calling card through his seven big league seasons, and the Blue Jays believed they could help the 28-year-old reach new dimensions with his offensive game. That work started to pay off handsomely in May, when Sánchez hit .329 with an .858 OPS and 13 RBIs. The Dominican native is also turning into a fan favourite in Toronto, grabbing attention for his quirky moves in the batter’s box in-between pitches -- and for the fact that he always seems to have a smile on his face. Every addition has come with a commitment to maintain the camaraderie and positive atmosphere the Blue Jays built last year. Even better when the new guys are playing like that.
OKAMOTO
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |6
PIÑANGO
SÁN CHEZ
47 INFIELDER/ OUTFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 11/12/1999 OPENING DAY AGE: 26 BIRTHPLACE: BELLEVUE, WA BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'0"/220 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
Impact tools follow Addison Barger wherever Toronto needs him. The left-handed hitter offers real pull-side power, a fearless swing and one of the strongest arms on the roster, allowing him to handle multiple spots across the diamond. His versatility gives the Blue Jays lineup flexibility without sacrificing the chance for damage.
ADDISON BARGER 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |8
PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 05/31/1995 OPENING DAY AGE: 30 BIRTHPLACE: ORANGE, CA BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'3"/200 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
57 BIEBER SHANE
A former Cy Young winner with frontline calm, Shane Bieber brings pedigree to Toronto’s rotation picture. The right-hander’s Blue Jays tenure has required patience as he works back from elbow trouble, but his track record speaks loudly. When healthy, Bieber gives Toronto an October-calibre starter. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |9
PITCHER BIRTHDATE: 12/28/1995 INFIELDER OPENING DAY AGE: 30
BIRTHDATE: 03/19/1999 BIRTHPLACE: MILTON, GA OPENING DAY AGE: 25 BATS/THROWS: R/R BIRTHPLACE: MONTREAL, QC HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'2"/200 BATS/THROW: R/R CONTRACT STATUS: HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6’ 2”/240 SIGNED THROUGH 2032 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THRU 2024
DYLAN
CEASE
84
One of baseball’s loudest strikeout resumes followed Dylan Cease to Toronto, along with a seven-year commitment that underscored his frontline upside. The right-hander has topped 200 strikeouts in five straight seasons, using power stuff and a wipeout slider to overwhelm hitters. Cease is poised to lead the rotation in 2026 and in coming years.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |10
g n i n n i w a in
Jo
M A TE
For 100 years, IUOE Local 793 has secured top-tier training, industry-leading benefits and pensions, and safe workplace for its members.
JOIN OVER 20,000
skilled heavy equipment and crane operators shaping the landscape of Ontario and Nunavut. LEARN MORE AT IUOELOCAL793.ORG
AVAILABLE NOW ©2026 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. MLB and MiLB trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com and MiLB.com. Officially Licensed Product of MLB Players, Inc. MLBPA trademarks, copyrighted works and other intellectual property rights are owned and/or held by MLBPA and may not be used without the written consent of MLBPA or MLB Players, Inc. Visit MLBPLAYERS.com, the Players Choice on the web. The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as applicable. Visit the official website of the Hall of Fame at BaseballHall.org. Official Licensee-Major League Alumni Marketing, Inc. © MLAM. Officially Licensed by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. Kansas City, MO. Stubs is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Trademarks, copyrights, names, images and other proprietary materials are used with permission of World Baseball Classic, Inc.
22 INFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 03/22/1996 OPENING DAY AGE: 30 BIRTHPLACE: ROCHESTER, NY BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'0"/185 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
A sudden fan favourite in Toronto, Ernie Clement turned sharp contact into October history in 2025, setting an MLB single-postseason record with 30 hits. He rarely wastes an at-bat, using quick hands and fearless instincts to spark rallies. In 2026, Clement gives the Blue Jays a relentless lineup jolt.
ERNIE
CLEMENT 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |13
46 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 07/19/1989 OPENING DAY AGE: 36 BIRTHPLACE: CLAY, NY BATS/THROWS: L/L HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'4"/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
A veteran left-hander with postseason experience, Patrick Corbin joined the Blue Jays in April on a oneyear deal and gave Toronto another seasoned option for its pitching staff. The two-time All-Star has logged heavy innings throughout his career, bringing durability, perspective and a steady presence when depth matters.
PATRICK CORBIN 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |14
PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 07/26/2000 OPENING DAY AGE: 25 BIRTHPLACE: LEAGUE CITY, TX BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'4"/235 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
BRAYDON
FISHER
63
Braydon Fisher has pitched his way into Toronto’s bullpen picture with swing-andmiss stuff and growing late-inning trust. The right-hander recorded his first career save during a comeback win in Baltimore, finishing off a game that showed his poise under pressure. Fisher gives the Blue Jays another lively relief weapon.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |15
PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 08/13/2001 OPENING DAY AGE: 24 BIRTHPLACE: LEWES, DE BATS/THROWS: R/L HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'1"/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
MASON
FLUHARTY
68
Mason Fluharty has carved out a useful left-handed relief role with deception, angle and a sweeper that misses barrels. The southpaw gives the bullpen a different look and dependable matchup flexibility.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |16
93 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 08/18/1990 OPENING DAY AGE: 35 BIRTHPLACE: MOCA, DOM BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6’1”/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
A veteran late-inning presence, Yimi García gives Toronto more than one look when games tighten. The righthander attacks with a firm fastball, mixes in a slider, curveball, and changeup, and brings experience from multiple bullpen roles.
YIMI GARCÍA 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |17
Yeah,
we’re likINg this year’s lINeup tOO. Grab some friends and cook up some sausage. The game’s on and it’s gonna be great.
34 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 01/06/1991 OPENING DAY AGE: 35 BIRTHPLACE: CENTENNIAL, CO BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'2"/200 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
Now one of the game’s most accomplished strikeout artists, Kevin Gausman reached 2,000 career punchouts on May 11 at Rogers Centre. In his fifth season with Toronto, the veteran right-hander still attacks hitters with a devastating splitter and sharp command, making every start a threat to turn into a swing-and-miss showcase.
KEVIN
GAUSMAN 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |19
The most trusted brand in heat pumps in Atlantic Canada Exclusively distributed through Kerr Controls and Kerr Smart Energy throughout Ontario and Atlantic Canada kerrcontrols.ca | Your One Stop Shop for All HVACR Jobs
One Iconic brand with many home comfort solutions kerrcontrols.ca | Distributed through Kerr Smart Energy throughout Ontario
INFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 09/04/1998 OPENING DAY AGE: 27 BIRTHPLACE: BARQUISIMETO, VEN BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'11"/190 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2030
0 GIMÉNEZ ANDRÉS
A slick fielder from Venezuela, Andrés Giménez carries elite defensive credentials into his first full season as Toronto’s shortstop. Chasing a fourth career Gold Glove, he brings smooth hands, quick feet and fearless range to the infield, giving the Blue Jays premium stability up the middle.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |21
27 INFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 03/16/1999 OPENING DAY AGE: 27 BIRTHPLACE: MONTREAL, QC BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'2"/240 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2039
A five-time All-Star and the face of baseball in Canada, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits at the centre of everything the Blue Jays build. His thunderous 2025 postseason (eight home runs) helped power Toronto’s historic World Series run, adding another chapter to a career already loaded with franchise moments. In 2026, Guerrero Jr. remains the heartbeat of the order.
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |22
BIRCH POWERED
PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 01/08/1993 OPENING DAY AGE: 33 BIRTHPLACE: LATHAM, NY BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'5"/220 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2027
23 HOFFMAN JEFF
Back with the organization that drafted him, Jeff Hoffman gives the Blue Jays a power arm built for tense innings. The veteran right-hander has grown into a trusted highleverage option with closing experience and a fastball that still jumps on hitters. Toronto leans on Hoffman when games tighten and every pitch demands conviction. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |25
CATCHER BIRTHDATE: 11/06/1998 INFIELDER OPENING DAY AGE: 27
BIRTHDATE: 03/19/1999 BIRTHPLACE: TIJUANA, MEX OPENING DAY AGE: 25 BATS/THROWS: R/R BIRTHPLACE: MONTREAL, QC HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'8"/240 BATS/THROW: R/R CONTRACT STATUS: HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6’ 2”/240 SIGNED THROUGH 2030 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THRU 2024
ALEJANDRO
KIRK
30
Alejandro Kirk anchors Toronto’s catching group with quiet confidence, elite contact skills and a deep understanding of his pitching staff. The two-time All-Star rarely gives away an at-bat, using strong hands and a compact swing to control the zone. Behind the plate, Kirk’s game-calling and steadiness help keep the Blue Jays organized.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |26
BASEBALL is BACK! STOP BY FOR
Happy
HOUR
TO ENJOY FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS!
Celebrate the best team in baseball with our signature handmade pizzas, paired with a smooth and refreshing beer, or handcrafted cocktail.
SCAN TO SEE MENU & TIMES
STAYING IN?
DOWNTOWN?
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUR LOCATIONS AND PLACE YOUR ORDER!
OUR FRONT STREET LOCATION IS A FIVE MINUTE WALK FROM THE ROGERS CENTRE.
SCADDABUSH.COM
200 FRONT STREET WEST
38 OUTFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 07/12/1994 OPENING DAY AGE: 31 BIRTHPLACE: PORTLAND, OR BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'11"/190 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
Nathan Lukes wasted little time reasserting himself after an early 2026 injury, returning to the top of Toronto’s order with the same line-drive swing and steady outfield work that earned him trust. The left-handed hitter sprays contact, runs clean routes and gives the Blue Jays a dependable table-setter when the lineup needs balance.
NATHAN
LUKES 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |29
62 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 07/26/2000 OPENING DAY AGE: 25 BIRTHPLACE: COLUMBIA, MO BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'2"/215 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
A Rule-5 pick with limited upper-minors experience, Spencer Miles forced his way into bigger plans with a calm heartbeat and starter-like traits. Toronto has used him as an opener, bulk arm and multi-inning weapon, and the righthander has handled each ask with poise. His flexibility gives the staff valuable breathing room.
SPENCER MILES 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |30
PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 03/19/1991 OPENING DAY AGE: 35 BIRTHPLACE: LONG BEACH, CA BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'6"/245 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THR0UGH 2026
TOMMY
NANCE
45
Tommy Nance gives the Blue Jays bullpen depth with a breaking-ball profile that can miss bats and change timing. The right-hander leans on a sharp slider look, giving Toronto another matchup option when games move into the middle innings. His experience and pitch shape help him fit a staff built on different looks.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |31
7 INFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 06/30/1996 OPENING DAY AGE: 29 BIRTHPLACE: GOJO, JPN BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'1"/235 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2029
Fresh off a decorated career in Japan, Kazuma Okamoto brought immediate power to Toronto’s lineup. The newly acquired third baseman launched his 10th home run by early May and kept climbing from there, leading the Blue Jays with 12 homers through his first 50-plus games. His bat gives Toronto a fresh middle-of-the-order threat.
KAZUMA
OKAMOTO 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |32
STRONG TEAMS BUILD BETTER. At TIMBER MART, we know great Canadian communities start with the people who build them. We don’t just supply the lumber and materials; we are your local teammates, supporting the projects that make our communities thrive. With over 400 stores nationwide, we provide the strength of a national network with the hands-on service of a local owner. Whether you’re a pro contractor or a DIYer, our logo is a promise that we have your back.
Bring it home with Canada’s Building Centre. Locally Owned. Proudly Canadian.
Find your local store at timbermart.ca
OUTFIELDER BIRTHDATE: 05/07/2002 OPENING DAY AGE: 23 BIRTHPLACE: CARORA, VEN BATS/THROWS: L/L HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'11"/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
YOHENDRICK
PIÑANGO
24
With a sizzling left-handed swing, Yohendrick Piñango made his mark early in 2026, launching his first career home run on May 16 against Detroit. The rookie outfielder brings natural bat speed and real pull-side pop, giving Toronto another young power option capable of changing a game with one quick, confident swing.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |35
71 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 12/17/1990 OPENING DAY AGE: 35 BIRTHPLACE: DENVER, CO BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'3"/180 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2028
One of baseball’s most unusual late-inning looks now belongs to Toronto. Tyler Rogers, a veteran submariner signed to a three-year deal, brings deception and experience to the Blue Jays’ high-leverage mix. With a release point that nearly scrapes the mound, Rogers forces hitters to solve a completely different puzzle.
TYLER ROGERS 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |36
OUTFIELDER BIRTHDATE: 10/07/1997 OPENING DAY AGE: 28 BIRTHPLACE: HIGUEY, DOM BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'3"/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
12
JESÚS
SÁNCHEZ
Acquired from Houston in a spring trade, Jesús Sánchez quickly brought energy, personality and serious raw power to Toronto’s corner-outfield mix. His first career grand slam in May offered a perfect snapshot of the damage he can do. With an easy smile and a loud left-handed swing, Sánchez adds life to the Blue Jays’ lineup. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |37
31 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 07/27/1984 OPENING DAY AGE: 41 BIRTHPLACE: ST. LOUIS, MO BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'3"/215 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
A Hall of Fame resume and unmistakable intensity still define Max Scherzer. The three-time Cy Young winner has surpassed 3,500 strikeouts and attacks every outing with the same edge that shaped his career. Beyond the numbers, Scherzer gives Toronto’s staff a daily example of preparation, competitiveness and professional fire.
MAX SCHERZER 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |38
This is our major league moment Ranked #1 hospital in Canada for the eighth straight year, and now #2 in the world? That’s something to cheer about. We couldn’t have done it without TeamUHN’s commitment to delivering world-class care for our patient community, and support from our generous donors. Proof that when you swing for the fences with the right team, you can hit it out of the park. Learn more at UHNfoundation.ca/best
to bring you the best care
Toronto General Toronto Western
Toronto Rehab Michener Institute
Princess Margaret West Park
Derek McGeachie President & CEO
INFIELDER/ OUTFIELDER BIRTHDATE: 01/26/1999 OPENING DAY AGE: 27 BIRTHPLACE: BERLIN, NJ BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'8"/205 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
DAVIS
SCHNEIDER
36
Whether diving into the left-field grass or driving a key double into the gap, Davis Schneider finds ways to impact games. His right-handed bat, defensive versatility, and steady energy make him an easy player for John Schneider to trust. Wherever Toronto needs him, he brings a timely spark.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |41
4
OUTFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 09/19/1989 OPENING DAY AGE: 36 BIRTHPLACE: NEW BRITAIN, CT BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'3"/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
A resurgent force atop Toronto’s order, George Springer turned back the clock in 2025 with a .309 average, 32 home runs, 84 RBIs and a third career Silver Slugger Award. The Blue Jays trust his patience, power and postseason edge to set the tone from the leadoff spot.
GEORGE SPRINGER 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |42
Enjoy our fresh
HAND-BATTERED CHICKEN FINGERS
FIND A PATIO NEAR YOU AT JACKASTORS.COM Score a front-row seat to all the action by making a reservation with us today!
A portion of sales from all Kids Menu items are donated to help wishes come true! Funds raised through your purchase, along with the support of George Springer, will help grant wishes for the more than 3,500 children still waiting for their wish to come true.
OUTFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 10/17/1994 OPENING DAY AGE: 31 BIRTHPLACE: GARDEN GROVE, CA BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'10"/190 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2028
MYLES
STRAW
3
A reliable glove with a prankster’s personality, Myles Straw gives the Blue Jays more than late-game speed. The veteran outfielder keeps the room loose, then backs it up with sharp routes, smart baserunning and steady preparation. Whether starting, defending or entering off the bench, Straw brings the intangibles winning clubs value.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |44
CATCHER
BIRTHDATE: 10/02/2000 OPENING DAY AGE: 25 BIRTHPLACE: HERMOSILLO, MEX BATS/THROWS: S/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'1"/225 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
BRANDON
VALENZUELA
59
Brandon Valenzuela gives Toronto a young switch-hitting catcher with raw strength and plenty of growing room. On April 10 at Rogers Centre, he announced himself with a go-ahead blast against Minnesota for his first career home run. The swing showed why the Blue Jays believe his power can develop behind the plate.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |45
PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 12/09/1997 OPENING DAY AGE: 28 BIRTHPLACE: ST. PAUL, MN BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'1"/220 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
77 VARLAND LOUIS
Pure adrenaline arrives with Louis Varland in the late innings. Armed with a tripledigit fastball and a no-nonsense mound presence, the right-hander attacks hitters with the kind of electric stuff that turns at-bats into events. When Varland enters, Toronto gets velocity, edge and a closer’s mentality capable of slamming the door. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |47
5 OUTFIELDER
BIRTHDATE: 07/02/1996 OPENING DAY AGE: 29 BIRTHPLACE: MARSHFIELD, WI BATS/THROWS: L/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5'10"/210 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
One of baseball’s rare speedand-power threats, Daulton Varsho brings athletic force to Toronto’s outfield. Last season, he slugged a career-high .548, turning gap-to-gap power and elite range into a dangerous combination. Whether tracking balls in the gap or driving them there, Varsho impacts the game on both sides.
DAULTON VARSHO 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |48
MADE FOR EXTRA INNINGS Every new Mazda is backed by our Unlimited Mileage Warranty. Discover peace of mind in the Mazda CX-70 and the 3-row CX-90.
39 PITCHER
BIRTHDATE: 07/28/2003 OPENING DAY AGE: 22 BIRTHPLACE: POTTSTOWN, PA BATS/THROWS: R/R HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6'4"/230 CONTRACT STATUS: SIGNED THROUGH 2026
Few rookies could imagine a postseason arrival like Trey Yesavage’s. After limited regular-season action, the young righthander struck out 12 Dodgers in World Series Game 5 and authored one of Toronto’s defining October moments. His poise, splitter and fearless tempo make him central to the Blue Jays’ 2026 plans.
TREY YESAVAGE 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |50
Oklahoma Sliders
Pitch Perfect Pints & Plates Eat Like a Savage. Drink Like a Champ.
2 Beers. $7 Bucks. Light + Dark Duo.* *22 oz Combined
theloosemoose.ca *Must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly.
146 Front Street West, Toronto Located beside TD Terrace
14
JOHN SCHNEIDER MANAGER BIRTHDATE: February 14, 1980 OPENING DAY AGE: 46 BIRTHPLACE: Princeton, NJ
A former catcher in Toronto’s minor-league system, John Schneider built his managerial foundation through years of teaching and trust. After playing in the organization from 2002 to 2007, he moved into coaching and rose steadily through the system, leading the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats to an Eastern League title in 2018. Schneider joined the major-league staff in 2019 and became interim manager in July 2022 before taking over the role full-time. Entering the 2026 season, he owned a 303257 managerial record (.541 winning percentage) with three postseason appearances and an
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |52
FROM
$
849,900
New designs! Stunning detached homes in Horseshoe Valley, 1 hour north of Toronto. 2-garage, 2 bedroom detached home on a 1/2 acre ravine lot. Get so much more for so little! 1/2+ Acre Lots
American League pennant. Through each season, he has balanced a demanding AL East schedule with the expectations that come with a talented, veteran roster. Known for his playerfirst approach, calm intensity, and open-door communication, Schneider blends modern strategy with old-school feel. His creative bullpen usage became a defining strength during Toronto’s 2025 World Series run, but his greatest impact came in the clubhouse. Schneider kept the Blue Jays connected, confident, and resilient through October, helping turn a gifted roster into American League champions.
Stunning 1 & 2 Storey Homes
Brick & Stone facades
democrathomes.com All illustrations are artist’s concepts and may differ from final home..E. & O. E. 01/03/26
KNOCK YOUR NEXT CAREER
LEARN A BIG LEAGUE TRADE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES •
Heavy Equipment Apprenticeship
•
Mobile and Tower Crane Apprenticeship
•
Youth and Indigenous Heavy Equipment Pre-Apprenticeship
•
Concrete Pump Operator Apprenticeship
•
Excavator
•
Dozer
•
Tractor-Loader-Backhoe
•
Grader
•
Loader and Haul Truck (Specialized Training)
LEARN MORE AT OETIO.COM
15 DeMARLO HALE
41 PETE WALKER
ASSOCIATE MANAGER BIRTHDATE: July 16, 1961 OPENING DAY AGE: 64 BIRTHPLACE: Chicago, IL
PITCHING COACH BIRTHDATE: April 8, 1969 OPENING DAY AGE: 56 BIRTHPLACE: Beverly, MA
79 DAVID POPKINS
53 MARK BUDZINSKI
HITTING COACH BIRTHDATE: November 16, 1989 OPENING DAY AGE: 36 BIRTHPLACE: San Diego, CA
FIRST BASE COACH BIRTHDATE: August 26, 1973 OPENING DAY AGE: 52 BIRTHPLACE: Baltimore, MD
51 CARLOS FEBLES
80 LOU IANNOTTI
THIRD BASE COACH BIRTHDATE: May 24, 1976 OPENING DAY AGE: 49 BIRTHPLACE: El Seybo, DOM
ASSISTANT HITTING COACH BIRTHDATE: November 5, 1992 OPENING DAY AGE: 33 BIRTHPLACE: North Haven, CT
81 CODY ATKINSON
82 GRAHAM JOHNSON
ASSISTANT HITTING COACH BIRTHDATE: January 14, 1989 OPENING DAY AGE: 37 BIRTHPLACE: Bellevue, WA
BULLPEN COACH BIRTHDATE: April 22, 1985 OPENING DAY AGE: 40 BIRTHPLACE: Alexis, IL
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |55
2026 FORESTER
Unlike the bases, these are always loaded.
2026 CROSSTREK
Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive. EyeSight® Driver Assist. Great cargo space. High ground clearance. These aren’t upgrades. They’re standard features. Check out the full lineup at your local Subaru dealer today, where uncommon comes standard.
2026 OUTBACK
*Models shown are 2026 Forester Convenience (TJACP), 2026 Crosstrek Convenience (TXACP) and 2026 Outback Limited XT (TDATP). Vehicles shown solely for purposes of illustration and may not be equipped exactly as shown. *EyeSight® is a driver-assist system, which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, and weather and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Subaru, Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback are registered trademarks.
ONTARIO SUBARU DEALER ASSOCIATION
88 SAM GREENE ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH BIRTHDATE: May 11, 1997 OPENING DAY AGE: 28 BIRTHPLACE: Philadelphia, PA
BARRIE
ORILLIA
BELLEVILLE
OTTAWA
Barrie Subaru Bay Subaru
BRACEBRIDGE
Subaru of Muskoka
BRAMPTON
Subaru of Brampton
ETOBICOKE
Marino’s Fine Cars
85 ERIC DUNCAN MAJOR LEAGUE FIELD COORDINATOR BIRTHDATE: December 7, 1984 OPENING DAY AGE: 41 BIRTHPLACE: Florham Park, NJ
GUELPH
Pfaff Subaru
HAMILTON
Subaru of Hamilton
KINGSTON
Subaru of Kingston
KITCHENER
Gemini Motors
LONDON
Subaru of London
MAPLE
Subaru of Maple
MARKHAM
83 DREW BUTERA MAJOR LEAGUE COACH BIRTHDATE: August 9, 1983 OPENING DAY AGE: 42 BIRTHPLACE: Evansville, IN
Markham Subaru
MINDEN
Minden Subaru
MISSISSAUGA
Subaru of Mississauga
NEWMARKET
NewRoads Subaru
NORTH BAY
Subaru of North Bay
Subaru of Orillia Ogilvie Subaru; Otto’s Subaru; Myers Barrhaven Subaru
OWEN SOUND
Owen Sound Subaru
PETERBOROUGH
Peterborough Subaru
RICHMOND HILL
Richmond Hill Subaru
SARNIA
Subaru of Sarnia
SCARBOROUGH Scarboro Subaru
ST. CATHARINES Subaru of Niagara
STRATFORD
Stratford Subaru
SUDBURY
Palladino Subaru
THORNHILL
Willowdale Subaru
THUNDER BAY
Marostica Subaru
TORONTO
Downtown Subaru
WHITBY
Whitby Subaru
WINDSOR
Subaru Windsor
OAKVILLE
Budds’ Subaru
2026 FORESTER
JOHN LANNAN MAJOR LEAGUE MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH BIRTHDATE: September 27, 1984 OPENING DAY AGE: 41 BIRTHPLACE: Long Beach, CA
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |57
2026 CROSSTREK 2026 OUTBACK
Check out great offers on our lineup at ontario.subarudealer.ca
Meet Blue and Jay! Come say hi to Toronto Zoo residents “Blue” and “Jay”, the Zoo’s Highland cows and biggest Blue JaysTM fans. Find out how you can get up close with them during a Wild Encounter experience! Open 365 days a year, with 3,000 animals to visit, Your Toronto Zoo has something for everyone to enjoy! Conservation is a TEAM SPORT, and we want YOU to join our team as a Guardian of Wild. Come, learn, be inspired! Visit torontozoo.com and use code 10BLUEJAYS2026 for 10% OFF admission to enjoy your next WILD ADVENTURE.
10% OFF 10BLUEJAYS2026 Scan here to book!
Valid until December 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers, only valid when redeemed through torontozoo.com
TORONTO BLUE JAYS and all related marks and designs are trademarks and/or copyright of Rogers Blue Jays
Baseball Partnership, used under licence. © 2026 Toronto Zoo
PAUL BEESTON TORONTO — They only made one Paul Beeston. He is, in every way, an original By Keegan Matheson
Officially, he’s the Blue Jays’ president emeritus, but that’s where the “official” part ends. He likes to call himself the Blue Jays’ biggest cheerleader, still keeping an office at Rogers Centre, still a fixture at each game. Other times, he’ll tell folks he’s “unemployed”, then let out that big, unmistakable laugh. Beeston was the Blue Jays’ first-ever employee, hired back in 1976 as the vice president of administration for Toronto’s Major League expansion team, still nameless. They were just “Metro Baseball Limited”, Beeston seated in an office with one assistant. Even 50 years later, Beeston can lay out that entire day for you, driving down the Gardiner Expressway into his new office. “I still remember being there that first day. At 9:00, I got this call,” Beeston said. “He said, ‘My name is Lee MacPhail [American League president], I just want to welcome you to the American League.’ Being the baseball fan that I am, knowing the MacPhail name and his father, my phone was shaking. This
was Lee MacPhail phoning. He knows who I am! He knows who we are!” In five decades since, Beeston has run the club’s business operations, took over as president through the World Series years in the early 90s, worked with MLB’s league office in New York and come home again. He’s a human encyclopaedia of the Toronto Blue Jays, still with the biggest personality in the building. From that first desk, he and the early architects of the (eventual) Blue Jays bounced around while Exhibition Stadium was under construction, then finally landed in their first offices. Howard Starkman, another fixture at Blue Jays games to this day, joined as the director of public relations. Pat Gillick came on board as the VP of player personnel, all of them together in this beehive of activity, building the Blue Jays from the dirt up. “It was a whirlwind,” Beeston said. You didn’t like the weekends. If you were not supposed to work, you wanted to work. You wanted to get there early. You wanted to stay
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |59
.... THIS ISN’T 1977. BASEBALL HAS GROWN SO MUCH ACROSS CANADA, AND BEESTON HASN’T JUST HAD A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THAT, HE’S HELPED LEAD IT
late. You wanted to get everything done. It was like a 365-day work week and it was fun.” Beeston has 50 years in baseball, a couple of World Series rings and a spot on the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence, soon to be relocated to the new Hall of Excellence in August. Why isn’t he on a beach? Why isn’t he playing two rounds of golf each day, enjoying “retirement” by its usual definition? “Because I love the people I work with,” Beeston said. “I don’t work with anybody, no one reports to me and I report to nobody … I’ve been here in the same office for the last 10 years and I’m very thankful for that. I appreciate the way that they’ve treated me. Mark [Shapiro] has treated me well and I come and go as I like. I’m surrounded by young, energetic, smiling people who enjoy their jobs. You can’t say that about everybody. These are people who enjoy their jobs.” Last year, Beeston got to enjoy the World Series run “as a fan”, fiercely proud of the team he’s known since its birth. The Blue Jays didn’t just become Canada’s team, Beeston insists, they became North America’s team, a team we could all be proud to call our own. Beeston has seen everything from Day 1 of a nameless organization, the World Series championships and low points along the way.
It was such a special moment for the man who’s seen it all… and who hasn’t forgotten a single detail. “This game is not the same game as it was back in 1977 when I started,” Beeston said, “but I suspect that the game in 1977 was not the same game it was back in 1927. That’s 50 years. Go back 50 years from ‘77 and we’re talking about Murderers’ Row on the Yankees. That old line, ‘You ain’t the ‘27 Yankees’? I’ll tell you one thing about our team right now. They ain’t the ‘77 Blue Jays!” He’s right. This isn’t 1977. Baseball has grown so much across Canada, and Beeston hasn’t just had a front-row seat to that, he’s helped lead it. Just last week, Beeston was driving his grandson to a baseball game in Mississauga. Pulling up to the stoplights, Beeston saw something that never would have been there 50 years ago, something that still fills the “Blue Jays’ biggest cheerleader” with such excitement all these years later. “There were games going on every ball field. It was 9:00 in the morning!” Beeston said. “It was terrific. There’s this feel for baseball right now. That’s going to breed a whole new generation of great baseball players.”
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |60
Score big on comfort tonight.
BOOK DIRECT & SAVE 15% USE PROMO : BLUE15 1-800-363-6400 | www.montecarloinns.com
Monte Carlo Inns Your home away from home
TM
TM
THE PAIR OF BLUE JAYS VOICES THAT ENCHANTED GENERATIONS Between Tom Cheek and Buck Martinez, Toronto has been home to two of the most memorable broadcasters in the game By Julia Kreuz
Remember the Joe Carter home run? Where were you when that ball cleared the left-field wall? Who did you hug as Carter started jumping up and down on his way around the bases? What emotions emerge with that memory? Whose voice do you hear? Details will vary from person to person, but that last question is like a common thread uniting a legion of Blue Jays fans across Canada. The voice of the moment was that of Tom Cheek. “A swing and a belt, left field, way back, Blue Jays win it!” Cheek bellowed on Oct. 23, 1993. “The Blue Jays are World Series champions as Joe Carter hits a threerun 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!” It’s hard to imagine that home run without that call. As just the second World Series-winning blast in the history of the game, Carter’s feat in
Game 6 against the Phillies was destined for immortality. But it was given a new dimension by a man who had been there since Day 1. The lore of Cheek begins much earlier than that one triumphant call. For 27 years, from the first game played at Exhibition Stadium in 1977, Cheek and the Blue Jays were literally inseparable, with a streak of 4,306 consecutive regular season games (plus 41 postseason games) called by the legendary broadcaster, many of them alongside Jerry Howarth, his longtime partner in the booth. It was the death of his father that initially caused Cheek to step away for a couple of days on June 3, 2004. One week later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required surgery, which pulled him away from the microphone once again. The Blue Jays acted fast to honour Cheek, raising his name on their Level of Excellence, along with the number 4,306, in August of that year. Cheek returned to the booth for a few games while undergoing
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |63
chemotherapy, but Opening Day 2005 would turn out to be his final broadcasting appearance. Cheek passed away on October 9, 2005. Eight years later, he was posthumously inducted into Cooperstown and named the winner of the Ford C. Frick Award, presented by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster who displayed “major contributions to baseball.” The accolades are simply ornaments, though. Cheek himself stated that he’d never had the pretension of entering the Hall of Fame. His focus was on the diamond, and his voice was embedded in the hearts of Blue Jays fans. “Chills… every time,” reads a comment in the YouTube video of Cheek’s most famous call. “Great moment and a great call by a legendary voice.” How lucky Toronto fans were back then, to get a generational personality as their gameday companion. But this team struck gold twice, and the younger crop of Blue Jays faithful got their own legendary voice. “Swing and a drive! Get up, ball, get up, get outta here!” That’s how Buck Martinez became the sound of summer. It was another fateful union for the Blue Jays, one that spanned four decades and included several distinct chapters until Martinez’s retirement from broadcasting at the end of last year. The club gave him a fitting farewell, too, putting together a magical season and a run to Game 7 of the World Series. Martinez is set to become the first inductee into the Blue Jays’ new Hall of Excellence in a ceremony scheduled for Aug. 29 at Rogers Centre, a fine way to immortalize one of the most iconic figures in franchise history. He didn’t expect any of this when he was traded to the Blue Jays in 1981. Back then, Martinez was still a gritty catcher en route to 17 big league seasons — the last six in Toronto. Martinez earned a spot as a TV colour commentator in 1987 following his retirement from playing the year prior.
This journey had a few more stops, though. Martinez also served as the Blue Jays’ manager in 2001 and part of 2002, working with great players such as Carlos Delgado and Roy Halladay. Martinez returned to the Blue Jays’ booth in 2010, first as a play-by-play announcer and later as colour commentator, when Dan Shulman rejoined the fold to create another all-time duo. And so a new generation of fans got their signature personality, someone who wasn’t searching for the limelight, but who embraced the love he found far away from his native California. “Thank you all for embracing me and welcoming my family and me in a way that has made us feel like we are part of yours,” Martinez said in a statement. “ … As to the fans specifically, I will miss the ‘selfies,’ the handshakes and the welcoming smiles. I will never forget any of those, nor the unwavering support and generosity, which has meant more than words can say. “I look forward to continuing to root for the Blue Jays along with you, and you’ll always be in my heart. My sincere appreciation to all of you.”
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |64
Jack Oliveira Business Manager Luis Camara Secretary Treasurer
Nelson Melo President
Marcello DiGiovanni Vice President
Ricardo Teixeira Recording Secretary
Jaime Cortez E-Board Member
Pat Sheridan E-Board Member
LEGENDS Jesse Barfield
Shawn Green
John Olerud
José Bautista
Kelly Gruber
Paul Quantrill
George Bell
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Robbie Ray
Bo Bichette
Juan Guzmán
Alex Rios
Pat Borders
Roy Halladay
Jordan Romano
Joe Carter
Tom Henke
George Springer
Jim Clancy
Pat Hentgen
Dave Stieb
Roger Clemens
Teoscar Hernández
Shannon Stewart
José Cruz Jr.
Aaron Hill
Todd Stottlemyre
Carlos Delgado
Eric Hinske
Marcus Stroman
Josh Donaldson
Jimmy Key
Willie Upshaw
Edwin Encarnación
Alejandro Kirk
Duane Ward
Kelvim Escobar
Adam Lind
David Wells
Tony Fernández
Fred McGriff
Vernon Wells
Jason Frasor
Paul Molitor
Devon White
Dámaso García
Lloyd Moseby
Ernie Whitt
Kevin Gausman
Rance Mulliniks
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |66
•
Jesse BARFIELD Right Field •1981-1989
George BELL
Left Field•1981, 1983 -1990
José BAUTISTA Right Field•2008 - 2017
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |67
Bo BICHETTE Shortstop•2019 -2025
Pat BORDERS
Catcher•1988 -1994, 1999
Joe CARTER
Outfielder / First Baseman•1991 - 1997
Jim CLANCY
Starting Pitcher•1977 - 1988
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |68
BO S S R EC O G N I Z E BO S S
BOTTLED BEYOND THE NEW GINGER-LEATHER FRAGRANCE
Carlos DELGADO First Base •1993 - 2004
Roger CLEMENS Starting Pitcher •1997 - 1998
Josh DONALDSON Third Base •2015 - 2018
José CRUZ Jr. Outfielder•1997 - 2002
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |70
Edwin ENCARNACIÓN First Base / Designated Hitter•2009 - 2016
Tony FERNÁNDEZ Shortstop•1983 - 1990, 1993, 1998 - 1999, 2001
Kelvim ESCOBAR Pitcher•1997 - 2003
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |71
YOUR SUPPORT GIVES KIDS LIKE SOFIA A PLACE ON THE TEAM LEARN MORE AT
JaysCare.com
Jason FRASOR
Relief Pitcher•2004 - 2011, 2012
Dámaso GARCÍA Second Base•1980 - 1986
Kevin GAUSMAN Starting Pitcher•2022 - present
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |73
Shawn GREEN Right Field•1993 - 1999
Vladimir GUERRERO Jr. First Base•2019 - present
Kelly GRUBER Third Base•1984 - 1992
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |74
INTRODUCING OUR
MVP PRODUCT LINE-UP.
Perfect air starts with award-winning products. Only Lennox® offers a full line of HVAC equipment to cover every home. From temperature control to air quality to energy efficiency. We offer a wide range of award-winning, innovative and highly efficient products to meet your needs. To learn more about our products or find a Lennox dealer near you, visit Lennox.com or call 1-800-9-LENNOX.
Facebook.com/lennox
youtube.com/lennoxresidential
© 2026 Lennox Industries Inc. Lennox dealers include independently owned and operated businesses.
Juan GUZMÁN Starting Pitcher •1991-1998
Tom HENKE
Relief Pitcher•1985 - 1992
Roy HALLADAY Starting Pitcher•1998 - 2009
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |76
Pat HENTGEN Starting Pitcher• 1991 - 1999, 2004
Teoscar HERNÁNDEZ Outfielder•2017 - 2022
Aaron HILL
Second Base•2005 - 2011
Eric HINSKE
Third Base / First Base• 2002 - 2006 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |77
CUPE.CA
COURAGE. COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. CUPE.
CUPE’s 800,000 members are on the front lines keeping your community strong.
Jimmy KEY
Starting Pitcher•1984 - 1992
Adam LIND
First Base / Designated Hitter• 2006 - 2014
Alejandro KIRK Catcher•2020 - present
Fred McGRIFF
First Base•1986 - 1990
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |79
Paul MOLITOR
Designated Hitter•1993 - 1995
Lloyd MOSEBY Center Field •1980 - 1989
Rance MULLINIKS Third Base•1982 - 1992
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |80
John OLERUD First Base • 1989 - 1996
Robbie RAY
Starting Pitcher•2020 - 2021
Paul QUANTRILL Relief Pitcher •1996 - 2001
Alex RIOS
Right Field•2004 - 2009
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |81
Jordan ROMANO Relief Pitcher•2019 - 2024
Dave STIEB
Starting Pitcher•1979 - 1992, 1998
George SPRINGER Outfielder•2021- present
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |82
Todd STOTTLEMYRE Starting Pitcher•1988 - 1994
Shannon STEWART
Left Field•1995 - 2003, 2008
Marcus STROMAN
Starting Pitcher•2014 - 2019
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |84
Willie UPSHAW
First Base•1978, 1980 - 1987
Duane WARD
Relief Pitcher•1986 - 1995
David WELLS
Pitcher•1987 - 1992, 1999 - 2000
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |85
Devon WHITE Center Field•1991 - 1995
Ernie WHITT
Catcher•1977 - 1978, 1980 - 1989
Vernon WELLS Center Field •1999 - 2010
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |86
SPECIAL YEARS By Larry Millson
1977 The lasting impression of the return of the boys summer to Toronto is wintry. Frosty the Snowman would have looked more appropriate on April 7, 1977, Opening Day at Exhibition Stadium than men in double knits. “I don’t think any of us expected to play because it kept snowing,” Blue Jays shortstop Hector Torres said. “They had that Zamboni dragging the field and as soon as they cleaned it up, it would be white again.” Chicago’s Wayne Nordhagen used an upturned pair of shin guards as snowshoes before the game. Another White Sox had his shoelaces catch on fire from one of the two heaters the visitors used. The crowd chanted “We want beer.” The beverage was yet to be allowed at the ballpark. The day turned out well for the expansion Blue Jays’ first game. Anne Murray sang the National Anthem. Bill Singer threw the first pitch in franchise history. The home side won 9-5 and the fans found an instant hero in Doug Ault, who hit two home runs. Al Woods hit a pinch-hit homer in his first career at-bat. Reliever Jerry Johnson picked up the victory and Pete Vuckovich the save. Attendance was 44,649. While not many wins came for manager Roy Hartsfield’s team that season, the fans turned out, often enduring icy winds. The 54-107 Blue Jays drew 1,794,651, not counting seagulls, to set a record for an expansion team from a base of 8,700 season tickets. There were memorable moments. Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver forfeited the Sept. 15 game on a rainy night because the tarpaulins were placed on the two mounds in the Blue Jays’ bullpen that was down the left field line. Weaver feared for the safety of his players if one had to go for a foul ball. A week earlier Roy Howell had a nine-RBI game in a 19-3 victory at Yankee Stadium. Bob Bailor, the first player Toronto selected in the expansion draft batted .310. Ron Fairy led the team with 19 homers and Dave Lemanczyk led with 13 wins. It was a start. 70’s
80’s
90’s
00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |88
1983 The Blue Jays came of age in Bobby Cox’s second season as manager, going 89-73. They spent part of the season in first place in the AL East before fading late. The improvement came gradually. They were 67-95 under manager Bobby Mattick in 1980, the first season in which they did not lose 100 games. They were 78-84 in 1982, Cox’s first year when he started to use an effective platoon system at some positions and won 41 of their final 78 games. In 1983, Lloyd Moseby became the first Blue Jay to score more than 100 runs with 104. He batted .315 with 18 homers, 81 RBIs and 27 stolen bases. Willie Upshaw became the first Blue Jay to surpass 100 RBIs with 104 to go with 27 homers and .306 batting average. Jesse Barfield also hit 27 homers. Dave Stieb was 17-12 with a 3.04 ERA and Jim Clancy 15-11, 3.91.
1985 The Blue Jays took off, winning their first AL East title on the second last day of the season. After their second straight 89-win season in a 1984 season dominated by Detroit, the Blue Jays won 99 games in 1985. Tom Henke was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse and made his Blue Jays debut on July 29, becoming the longneeded dependable closer with 13 saves. Buck Martinez was not there to catch Henke, however. On July 9, in a 9-4 win at Seattle, Martinez made a unique play, tagging out two runners at home despite suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle after Phil Bradley crashed into him for the first out. Martinez caught a cleat in the dirt but held the ball as he fell on his back. He threw wildly to third. George Bell retrieved the ball and made a perfect throw to a seated Martinez, who tagged Gorman Thomas, who tried to tip-toe around him. The key series of the season came Sept. 12-15 when they dropped the opener of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium before taking the next three to open a 4 1/2 -game lead. Doyle Alexander pitched a complete game on Oct. 5 in a 5-1 win at Exhibition Stadium that clinched the division. Alexander finished the season 17-10 with a 3.45 ERA. Jimmy Key was 14-6, 3.00. George Bell batted .275 with 28 homers, 95 RBIs. Jesse Barfield hit with 27 homers and 84 RBIs while providing stellar defence in right field with laser throws. Toronto led the ALCS against Kansas City 3-1 before losing in seven games. 70’s
80’s
90’s
00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |89
1987 These days, 96 wins could be expected to lead to the postseason. In 1987 before the days of wild-card berths, it led only to heartbreak for the Blue Jays even though they had the second most wins in the majors. The AL East was decided by seven games between Toronto and Detroit over the final 10 days of the season. The Blue Jays won three of four at home before being swept in three games at Detroit to end the season. Each of the seven games was decided by one run. In between the Blue Jays lost three to Milwaukee. This might have been the Blue Jays’ best team at that time, but their hopes suffered severe damage when Tony Fernández, batting .322, was injured in the first game against Detroit at Exhibition Stadium and Ernie Whitt was hurt against Milwaukee. They were missed when Detroit clinched first with a 1-0 victory despite Jimmy Key’s heroic pitching effort. Key finished the season 17-8, 2.76. Tom Henke had 34 saves. George Bell batted .308 with 47 homers and 134 RBIs and was voted MVP.
1989 The first year of SkyDome produced a fitting ending, an AL East title won on the second last day of the season. Toronto scored three in the eighth to defeat Baltimore 4-3 to clinch. On July 5, the Blue Jays were 10 games out of first in the AL East and seven games under .500. When Cito Gaston replaced Jimy Williams as manager on May 15, they were 12-24. Mookie Wilson and Lee Mazzilli were added on July 31. The surge gained momentum with a 20-9 August and Toronto tied Baltimore for first. Toronto went 17-10 in September to edge out Baltimore before losing the ALCS to the Athletics. Fred McGriff had 36 homers and 92 RBIs. George Bell batted .297 with 18 homers, 104 RBIs. Dave Stieb went 17-8, 3.35 and John Cerutti 11-11, 3.07. 70’s
80’s
90’s
00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |90
1991 The Blue Jays had a different look with the offseason acquisitions of Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and Devon White. Gone were Fred McGriff and Tony Fernández. They became the first major league team to reach four million in attendance with 4,001,526 and were 91-71 to win the AL East. Carter had 33 homers and 108 RBIs. Alomar batted .295 and White was stellar in centre field. Juan Guzmán was 10-3, 2.99, Todd Stottlemyre 15-8, 3.78 and David Wells, 15-10, 3.72. Tom Henke had 32 saves, and Duane Ward had 23 saves while going 7-6, 2.77, in 107 1/3 innings. They lost the ALCS in five games to Minnesota.
1992 Mike Timlin fielded Otis Nixon’s bunt in the 11th inning at Atlanta, tossed the ball to Joe Carter at first base and the Blue Jays won their first World Series. Later, the champagnesoaked clubhouse echoed with chants of “PFP,” a reference to pitcher’s fielding practice, a staff staple. Dave Winfield’s two-run double gave the Blue Jays the lead in the 11th, and they held on for a 4-3 victory. Pat Borders batted .450 (9-for-20) with one homer and three RBIs to win World Series MVP. The Blue Jays lost the first game of the series before winning three straight. They won the ALCS in six games over the Athletics after taking the AL East with a 96-66 record. Roberto Alomar batted .310 with 76 RBIs, Carter had 34 homers and 119 RBIs and Winfield batted .290 with 26 homers and 108 RBIs. Jack Morris was 21-6 with a 4.04 ERA, Juan Guzmán was 16-5, 2.64 and Jimmy Key was 1313, 3.53. David Cone was obtained in a trade with the Mets in August and went 4-3, 2.55. 70’s
80’s
90’s
00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |92
2015
1993 Tom Cheek said it best: “Touch ‘em all Joe, you’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life.” Joe Carter’s three-run shot in the ninth to defeat Philadelphia 8-6 was the first walk-off home run that brought a team from behind to win a World Series. The Blue Jays made changes after 1992. Dave Winfield, Tom Henke, Kelly Gruber, Jimmy Key and David Cone did not return. Paul Molitor and Dave Stewart joined the team for 1993 with Tony Fernández and Rickey Henderson added during the season. Fernández batted .306 with 50 RBIs in his return to Toronto. They won their third straight AL East title with a 95-67 record and defeated the White Sox in a six-game ALCS. John Olerud emerged as the first baseman and flirted with a .400 average before winning the batting title with .363. Teammates Molitor (.332) and Roberto Alomar (.326) were second and third. Joe Carter had 33 homers, 121 RBIs. Pat Hentgen blossomed with a 19-9 record and a 3.87 ERA. Juan Guzmán was 14-3, 3.99. Duane Ward had 45 saves. 70’s
80’s
90’s
The Blue Jays returned to the postseason for the first time since 1993 when a second-half surge led them to the American League East title with a 93-69 record under manager John Gibbons. They won the ALDS over Texas 3-2 with José Bautista’s three-run homer, punctuated with an iconic bat flip, deciding a tense and emotional fifth game that ended 6-3. The season ended with a 4-3 loss to Kansas City in Game 6 of the ALCS. The turnaround was engineered by GM Alex Anthopoulos. His key acquisitions entering the 2015 season were third baseman Josh Donaldson in a trade with the Athletics and catcher Russell Martin, signed as a free agent. Donaldson had 41 homers, 123 RBIs, played superb defense and won the AL Most Valuable Player Award. Center fielder Kevin Pillar evolved as a defensive force. The Blue Jays were seven games below .500 on June 2 and were still eight games out of first on July 28. Anthopoulos went to work, obtaining shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins in a deal that sent shortstop José Reyes to Colorado and the team defense immediately improved. Anthopoulos also acquired outfielder Ben Revere and reliever Mark Lowe, but his coup was obtaining David Price from Detroit. Marcus Stroman returned to the rotation in September after having left knee surgery in March. First baseman Chris Colabello, who spent seven seasons in the independent leagues, was another feel-good story. Emerging right-handers Aaron Sanchez and Roberto Osuna became bullpen stalwarts. 00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |93
2016 After leading the AL East by two games on Aug. 31, the Blue Jays went 11-16 in September. With 89 wins, they settled for a one-game Wild Card matchup with Baltimore. Edwin Encarnación’s three-run, walk-off homer in the 11th for a 5-2 victory sent Toronto to the ALDS against Texas. Toronto swept the series in three games with Josh Donaldson scoring from second on Rougned Odor’s error for the 7-6 walk-off win in the final game. There was fallout from José Bautista’s bat flip in the 2015 ALDS. In a game at Texas in May there was a confrontation with Odor punching Bautista, who had made a hard slide into second, and the benches cleared. Toronto lost the ALCS to Cleveland in five games. There was no David Price to anchor the rotation this season. Before the 2016 season started, Mark Shapiro had taken over from Paul Beeston as club president and CEO while Ross Atkins became GM with the departure of Alex Anthopoulos.
2020 During COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Jays played their home games in Buffalo for the shortened 60-game schedule. With a 32-28 record, they qualified for a Wild Card Series on the road against Tampa Bay and were eliminated in two games, losing 3-1 and 8-2. Danny Jansen hit two homers in Game 2.
2022 The Blue Jays earned the top Wild Card spot with 92 wins but were swept in two games at home to Seattle. Matt Chapman was 2-for-4 with a double in the 4-0 Game 1 loss. Toronto led 8-1 through five innings in Game 2 but lost 10-9. Teoscar Hernández hit two home runs in going 2-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored for Toronto. He joined José Bautista and Danny Jansen as the only Blue Jays to record a multi-homer postseason game.
2023 The Blue Jays had 89 wins to qualify for the final AL Wild Card spot. They were swept in two games at Minnesota. Kevin Kiermaier was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in the 3-1 Game 1 loss. In Game 2, Bo Bichette recorded his second multi-hit game of the series in a 2-0 loss. Santiago Espinal, Alejandro Kirk, and George Springer added two singles each. 70’s
80’s
90’s
00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |94
2025 The Blue Jays came close to winning their first World Series since 1993, only to lose Game 7 at home to the Dodgers 5-4 in 11 innings. They finished with the best record in the American League with 94 wins in a magical season. They gained traction with a 16-10 June and surged with an 18-8 July. A revitalized George Springer was an offensive star, batting .309/.399/.560 with 32 homers and 84 RBIs in 140 games. The Blue Jays took the ALDS in four games over the Yankees, who also won 94 games but lost the tiebreaker. Toronto lost the first two games of the ALCS at home to Seattle before rallying to win in seven games with Springer’s three-run homer proving decisive in Game 7. This World Series is rated among the best played. The Blue Jays took a lead into the ninth inning of Game 7 but could not finish the job. There were some brilliant performances with Ernie Clement setting a postseason record with 30 hits. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had 29 postseason hits, including eight homers, and became the eighth player in major league history to hit eight or more home runs in a single postseason, trailing only Randy Arozarena (10 in 2020). 70’s
80’s
90’s
00’s
10’s
WHERE WERE YOU?
20’s WHERE WILL YOU BE?
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |97
March 26, 1976 Major League Baseball announced that the American League would add an expansion team in Toronto, which would enter the league with Seattle in the 1977 season.
GREAT MOMENTS By Larry Millson
April 7, 1977 The turf was artificial at Exhibition Stadium, but the snow was not for the Blue Jays’ first Opening Day, so some of the firsts were unexpected. “Actually, that’s the first time I ever heard my teeth chatter,” Blue Jays shortstop Hector Torres recalled. The list of firsts included the Blue Jays first win, 9-5 over the White Sox; the team’s first hero, Doug Ault, who homered in the first and third innings in going 3-for-4; and the first career major league at-bat for Al Woods, a pinch-hit tworun home run in the fifth. Sept. 10, 1977 Roy Howell had nine RBIs in a 19-3 Blue Jays romp at Yankee Stadium. Howell was 5-for-6 with a single, two doubles and two home runs. Nov. 26, 1979 Blue Jays shortstop Alfredo Griffin was named co-winner of the AL Rookie of the Year Award with Minnesota’s John Castino after batting .287 with 21 stolen bases. May 4, 1980 Otto Vélez, nicknamed Otto the Swatto, hit four home runs and had 10 RBIs in a doubleheader sweep, 9-8 and 7-2, over Cleveland at Exhibition Stadium. Vélez hit a grand slam, a two-run shot and a 10th-inning solo homer in the opener. He stroked a three-run homer in the first inning of the second game. Sept. 20, 1983 Willie Upshaw became the first Blue Jay to reach 100 RBIs in a season. He finished the season batting .306/.373/.515 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |98
April 30, 1984 It was a blowout. The game against the Rangers at Exhibition Stadium was postponed after two outs in the first because of high winds with gusts of up to 97 km/h that knocked Blue Jays starter Jim Clancy off balance a few times. Texas batters complained about dirt in their eyes. July 9, 1985 Catcher Buck Martinez tagged out two runners at home in a 9-4 win at Seattle despite suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle after Phil Bradley crashed into him for the first out. Oct. 5, 1985 Doyle Alexander pitched a complete game in a 5-1 win over the Yankees at Exhibition Stadium to clinch the Blue Jays’ first AL East Division title with a franchise record 99 wins. June 12, 1986 Kelly Gruber hit a fog-assisted, three-run, inside-the-park home run in a 9-0 victory over Detroit in a game called in the seventh inning by rain. Sept. 22, 1986 Tony Fernández became the first Blue Jay to reach 200 hits in a season. He finished with 213 hits and a .310 batting average with 10 homers and 65 RBIs. Sept. 14, 1987 Ernie Whitt (3), George Bell (2), Rance Mulliniks (2), Lloyd Moseby, Rob Ducey, and Fred McGriff all homered at Exhibition Stadium in an 18-3 win over Baltimore. The 10 homers were a major league record for one game. Nov. 17, 1987 George Bell became the first Blue Jay to become AL MVP after batting .308/.352/.605 with 47 homers and 134 RBIs.
April 4, 1988 George Bell hit a major league Opening Day record three home runs in a 5-3 win at Kansas City, all against Bret Saberhagen. Sept. 24, 1988 Dave Stieb had a no-hitter for 8 2/3 innings at Cleveland before Julio Franco’s grounder bounced way over the head of second baseman Manny Lee. Stieb retired the next batter. Sept. 30, 1988 One start after just missing a no-hitter, Stieb again had a no-hitter for 8 2/3 innings at SkyDome before Baltimore’s Jim Traber blooped a single down the right-field line. Stieb retired the next batter. April 16, 1989 Kelly Gruber became the first Blue Jay to hit for the cycle in a 15-8 win over Kansas City at Exhibition Stadium. He was 4-for-6 with six RBIs. May 28, 1989 George Bell hit a two-run, walk-off home run in the 10th and the Blue Jays won the final game at Exhibition Stadium 7-5 over the White Sox. June 4, 1989 The Blue Jays came back from a 10-0 disadvantage at Boston to win 13-11 in extra innings. June 5, 1989 The Blue Jays played their first game at SkyDome, a 5-3 loss to Milwaukee.
Sept. 30, 1989 The Blue Jays clinched the AL East with a 4-3 win over Baltimore under manager Cito Gaston, who replaced Jimy Williams on May 15. They were 10 games out of first on July 5.
Dennis Eckersley as the Blue Jays overcame a five-run deficit to tie the game 6-6 at Oakland. The Blue Jays won 7-6 in 11 innings and clinched their first AL pennant in Game 6 at SkyDome.
Sept. 2, 1990 Dave Stieb pitched the franchise’s first no-hitter. He walked four and struck out nine in the 3-0 win at Cleveland.
Oct. 18, 1992 Ed Sprague hit a two-run pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Atlanta in a 5-4 comeback victory to even the series 1-1.
Oct. 2, 1991 The Blue Jays became the first team to draw four-million fans at home and Joe Carter’s walk-off single clinched the AL East with a 6-5 win over the Angels. Oct. 11, 1992 Roberto Alomar hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning of Game 4 of the ALCS against
Oct. 20, 1992 Center fielder Devon White made a leaping catch at the wall in the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against Atlanta at SkyDome. Only an umpire’s missed call prevented the catch from leading to a triple play. Toronto won 3-2. Oct. 24, 1992 The Blue Jays won their first World Series championship in their 16th season with a 4-3 victory in Game 6 at Atlanta. Dave Winfield’s two-run double in the 11th inning provided the winning runs.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |100
Oct. 3, 1993 Blue Jays John Olerud (.363), Paul Molitor (.332), and Roberto Alomar (.326) finished 1-2-3 in AL batting, an AL first and the first in the majors since the NL 1893 Philadelphia Phillies. Oct. 20, 1993 Tony Fernández was 3-for-6 with five RBIs in Game 4 of the World Series at Philadelphia as the Blue Jays overcame a 14-9 deficit with a six-run eighth to secure a 15-14 victory and take a 3-1 lead in the series. Oct. 21, 1993 East York’s Rob Butler singled as a pinch hitter against Curt Schilling in the eighth inning of the 2-0 loss in Game 5 of the World Series at Philadelphia. He was the first Canadian with a World Series hit since George Selkirk of the 1941 Yankees. Oct. 23, 1993 Joe Carter hit a three-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth of Game 6 to give the Blue Jays an 8-6 victory over Philadelphia and their second straight World Series championship. Nov. 12, 1996 Pat Hentgen became the Blue Jays’ first Cy Young Award winner after going 20-10 with a 3.22 ERA. Nov. 10, 1997 Roger Clemens became the Blue Jays’ second Cy Young Award winner after a 21-7, 2.05 season. Aug. 25, 1998 Roger Clemens struck out a club record 18 in a 3-0 win over Kansas City. He went on to win his second straight Cy Young Award after going 20-6, 2.65 ERA. Aug. 17, 2001 Jeff Frye hit for the cycle in an 11-3 win over Texas. He was 4-for-4 with three RBIs. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |102
June 15, 2003 Reed Johnson became the fourth player in major league history to hit a leadoff homer in the first inning and hit a walk-off homer in the same game. He homered off Cubs starter Shawn Estes in the first and reliever Mark Guthrie in the 10th inning in a 5-4 win.
– in a 10-6 victory in the second game of a doubleheader against the White Sox.
Sept. 6, 2003 Roy Halladay pitched a 10-inning 1-0 shutout over Detroit. Five of his nine complete games came in his final six starts of the season when he pitched a 41-inning stretch without allowing an earned run. He won the AL Cy Young Award by going 22-7 with a 3.25 ERA.
June 20, 2010 John McDonald hit an emotional pinch-hit two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth of a 9-6 loss to San Francisco on Father’s Day, two days after his father’s funeral. McDonald’s father had asked him to dedicate his next home run to him.
Sept. 25, 2003 Carlos Delgado hit four home runs against Tampa Bay, a team record. He was 4-for-4 with six RBIs. He finished second in MVP voting after hitting .302/.426/.593 with 42 homers and 145 RBIs.
Aug. 8, 2010 Brandon Morrow had 17 strikeouts and two walks when he lost a no-hitter with two out in the top of the ninth on Evan Longoria’s single in the 1-0 win over Tampa Bay.
May 1, 2004 Frank Catalanotto became the first Blue Jay with a six-hit game – five singles and a double
June 28, 2007 Frank Thomas hit a three-run blast in an 8-5 loss at Minnesota to become the 21st player all-time to hit 500 career homers.
Sept. 23, 2010 In a 1-0 Blue Jays’ victory over Seattle — a two-hit complete-game loss for Félix Hernández who went on to win the 2010 AL Cy Young Award — José Bautista hit his 50th homer of the season in the first inning. In the same game, Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki had two hits to record his major league record 10th consecutive 200-hit season. Bautista homered on Oct. 1 at Minnesota to finish with 54.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |103
July 24, 2011 Roberto Alomar, a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove second baseman, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the first player to enter the Hall as a Blue Jay. July 27, 2013 Tom Cheek was named recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award for career excellence in broadcasting. Aug. 10, 2014 José Bautista hit a 19th-inning walk-off single to beat Detroit 6-5 and end the longest game in franchise history at six hours, 37 minutes. The Blue Jays had trailed 5-0. Aug. 29, 2015 Edwin Encarnación hit three home runs and tied the club record with nine RBIs in a 15-1 victory over Detroit. The field was littered with hats after his third homer to honour his hat trick, hockey-style. Sept. 30, 2015 The Blue Jays clinched the AL East with a 15-2 win at Baltimore to make the playoffs for the first time since 1993. Nov. 19, 2015 Josh Donaldson became the Blue Jays’ second MVP after hitting .297/.371/.568 with 41 homers and 123 RBIs. Oct. 14, 2015 José Bautista made his dramatic bat flip after hitting a three-run homer in the seventh inning against Texas in the Blue Jays 6-3 win in the decisive Game 5 of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Oct. 4, 2016 Edwin Encarnación hit a walk-off three-run homer in the 11th to win the AL Wild Card Game against Baltimore at Rogers Centre. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |104
Oct. 9, 2016 Josh Donaldson doubled to lead off the 10th and sprinted home from second based on an error in a 7-6 walk-off win at Rogers Centre to complete a three-game ALDS sweep of Texas. July 30, 2017 Steve Pearce hit a walk-off grand slam against the Angels as the Blue Jays overcame a six-run, ninth-inning deficit for an 11-10 win. It was an encore performance. His 10th-inning grand slam on July 27 gave Toronto an 8-4 win over the Athletics. Sept. 17, 2019 Cavan Biggio tripled in the ninth inning to hit for the cycle in an 8-5 victory at Baltimore. Craig Biggio, his father, hit for the cycle in 2002 for the Astros. They became the second father-son duo to hit for the cycle, joining Daryle and Gary Ward. Sept. 24, 2020 The Blue Jays made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with a 4-1 win over the Yankees at Buffalo where they played their home games in a season shortened by the pandemic. Oct. 3, 2021 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered in the second inning of a 12-4 win over Baltimore at Rogers Centre. It was his 48th homer of the season, the most in major league history in an age-22 season or younger. The Braves’ Eddie Mathews hit 47 as a 21-year-old in 1953. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |106
Nov. 17, 2021 Robbie Ray won the AL Cy Young Award after going 13-7, 2.84 ERA. Oct. 5, 2025 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit the first postseason grand slam in team history in the 13-7 win over the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALDS. Oct. 20, 2025 George Springer hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Blue Jays a 4-3 lead in their Game 7 ALCS victory over Seattle. Oct. 24, 2025 Addison Barger hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history during a nine-run sixth inning of Game 1, an 11-4 win over the Dodgers.
Oct. 29, 2025 Trey Yesavage struck out a World Series rookie record 12 in the Blue Jays 6-1 victory over the Dodgers in Game 5. His 12 strikeouts without a walk were also a World Series first. Nov. 1, 2025 Bo Bichette hit a three-run home run in the third inning against Shohei Ohtani to give the Blue Jays the lead in Game 7 of the World Series. The Dodgers won 5-4 in 11 innings, however, in one of the better World Series played. Also in Game 7, Ernie Clement singled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 13 games, the longest of the 2025 postseason and the longest by a Blue Jay within a single postseason, surpassing Pat Borders’ 12-gamer in 1992. Clement’s third hit of the game, an eighth-inning double, gave him a record 30 postseason hits. March 27, 2026 Andrés Giménez’s ninth-inning single gave the Blue Jays a 3-2 victory over the Athletics, the second walk-off Opening Day win in franchise history. Kevin Gausman struck out 11, the most by a Blue Jay in an Opening Day start. March 29, 2026 Blue Jays pitchers combined for 50 strikeouts in a three-game sweep of the Athletics, the most through the first three games of a season in major league history. “Fiftieth-year anniversary of the Blue Jays and 50 strikeouts over three,” manager John Schneider said. “Pretty round number.” After Kevin Gausman’s 11 on Opening Day, Dylan Cease had 12 strikeouts in the second game, the most by a pitcher making his Blue Jays’ debut. Eric Lauer added nine strikeouts in the third game. 2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |108
Lake Ontario Yacht Tour
Quetzal
YOUR TORONTO PLANS START WITH 6IX Got time to explore before or after the game? Looking for a great place to eat or a live show tonight? A quick chat with 6ix, Destination Toronto’s AI Travel Assistant, delivers real-time recommendations tailored to your mood. Just ask, and 6ix will guide you from there.
6ix by Destination Toronto We’ve got some time before the game. Where can we grab a bite? The Entertainment District has plenty of sit-down dinner options, while the Harbourfront is steps away and perfect for a relaxed meal with a view. Are you also planning to explore more of Toronto’s nightlife after the game? Yes, what’s a great way to kick off a night downtown?
El Catrin Destileria TIFF - Toronto International Film Festival at the Roy Thomson Hall
EXPLORE ALL THINGS TORONTO
Start with cocktails along King West. From stylish lounges to rooftop bars, it’s the perfect place to set the tone for the night. Do you have specific preferences for your night out? We’d love something with live music or a show. Any good spots nearby? Little Portugal is great for Latin vibes and live music, downtown has jazz and blues most nights, and West Queen West is known for smaller venues and emerging artists. Are you interested in a particular genre?
Hey 6ix...
SCAN TO CHAT!
SECTION 146 AUTHENTICATED GAME-USED AND TEAM ISSUED MEMORABILIA
AVAILABLE!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
WWW.BLUEJAYS.COM/AUTHENTICS
TRIVIA By Ethan Diamandas
1. What year did the Toronto Blue Jays play their first game as an MLB franchise? a) 1969 b) 1977 c) 1985 d) 1989 2. Which Blue Jays pitcher threw the first no-hitter in franchise history? a) Roy Halladay b) Dave Stieb c) Pat Hentgen d) Jimmy Key 3. D uring the Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run, what MLB single-postseason record did Ernie Clement set? a) Most doubles in one postseason b) Most hits in one postseason c) L ongest hitting streak in postseason history d) Most runs scored in one postseason
hich Blue Jays player sparked one 6. W of the franchise’s most iconic modern moments with his famous bat flip in the 2015 ALDS? a) Edwin Encarnación b) Josh Donaldson c) José Bautista d) Russell Martin 7.
hich player has hit the most home runs W in Toronto Blue Jays franchise history? a) José Bautista b) Carlos Delgado c) Edwin Encarnación d) George Bell
8. W hich manager has the most wins in Toronto Blue Jays franchise history? a) John Gibbons b) Bobby Cox c) Cito Gaston d) Jim Fregosi
4. What major milestone did the Blue Jays reach for the first time in 1985? a) First playoff appearance b) First World Series title c) First 100-win season d) First no-hitter
9. W hich future Hall of Famer did the Blue Jays acquire late in the 1993 season to help with their World Series push? a) Tim Raines b) Rickey Henderson c) Kenny Lofton d) Vince Coleman
5. W hich Blue Jays pitcher became the first player in franchise history to win the Cy Young Award? a) Roy Halladay b) Roger Clemens c) Pat Hentgen d) Dave Stieb
10. Who hit the go-ahead, three-run homer in Game 7 of the 2025 ALCS to help send the Blue Jays to the World Series? a) George Springer b) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. c) Alejandro Kirk d) Daulton Varsho
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |111
TRIVIA • ANSWERS 1. B – 1977. The Blue Jays played their first game on April 7, 1977, defeating the Chicago White Sox at Exhibition Stadium in a snowy franchise debut. 2. B – Dave Stieb. After several near-misses, Stieb finally threw the first no-hitter in Blue Jays history on Sept. 2, 1990. 3. B – Most hits in one postseason. Clement set an MLB record with 30 hits during Toronto’s 2025 postseason run, breaking Randy Arozarena’s previous record of 29 from 2020. 4. A – First playoff appearance. The 1985 Blue Jays won the American League East and reached the postseason for the first time in franchise history.
8. C – Cito Gaston. Gaston is the winningest manager in Blue Jays history with 894 regularseason wins. He also led the franchise to its back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. 9. B – Rickey Henderson. The Blue Jays acquired Henderson from the Oakland Athletics in 1993, adding one of baseball’s greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers for their championship run. 10. A – George Springer. Springer’s seventh-inning, three-run homer against Seattle gave Toronto one of the biggest swings in franchise postseason history and helped clinch the AL pennant.
5. C – Pat Hentgen. Hentgen won the American League Cy Young Award in 1996, becoming the first Blue Jay to earn the honour. 6. C – José Bautista. Bautista’s three-run homer and bat flip in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS became a defining image of the Blue Jays’ return to the postseason spotlight. 7. B – Carlos Delgado. Delgado is the Blue Jays’ all-time home run leader with 336 home runs during his Toronto career, ahead of José Bautista, Edwin Encarnación, and George Bell.
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |112
The Essence Group, led by Sarah Bakker and proudly affiliated with Nest Seekers International, is committed to setting the highest standard of service, providing a personalized Real Estate experience for our clients. With a collaborative approach, we are known for authentic relationships and a strong community presence within Simcoe County, York Region, Toronto, and Durham Region. We go above and beyond to ensure our clients experience truly the best, backed by an elite international network. @the.essence.group essencegrouprealestate.ca
TORONTO | YORK REGION | SIMCOE COUNTY
BLUE JAYS MINOR LEAGUE AFFILIATES BUFFALO BISONS Triple-A · International League VENUE & CONTACT Stadium: Sahlen Field Address: O ne James D. Griffin Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203 Stadium Capacity: 16,600 Phone: (716) 846-2000 Website: bisons.com FRONT OFFICE President, Rich Baseball Ops.: Mike Buczkowski General Manager: Anthony Sprague FIELD STAFF Manager: Casey Candaele Bench Coach: Cesar Martin Hitting Coach: Matt Young Asst. Hitting Coach: Trevor Cho Pitching Coach: Drew Hayes Asst. Pitching Coach: Henry Leake Position Coach: Chris Schaeffer
NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHER CATS Double-A · Eastern League VENUE & CONTACT Stadium: Delta Dental Stadium Address: O ne Line Drive, Manchester, NH 03101 Stadium Capacity: 6,500 Phone: (603) 641-2005 Website: www.nhfishercats.com FRONT OFFICE General Manager: Taylor Fisher Asst. General Manager: Andrew Marais FIELD STAFF Manager: John Tamargo Jr. Bench Coach: Mike McRae Hitting Coach: Mitch Huckabay Pitching Coach: Austin Bibens-Dirkx Asst. Pitching Coach: Robelin Bautista Position Coach: Luis Silva
VANCOUVER CANADIANS High-A · Northwest League VENUE & CONTACT Stadium: Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium Address: 4 601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3H4 Stadium Capacity: 6,013 Phone: (604) 872-5232 Website: www.canadiansbaseball.com FRONT OFFICE President: Andy Dunn General Manager: Allan Bailey FIELD STAFF Manager: José Mayorga Bench Coach: Matt von Roemer Hitting Coach: Jonathan Davis Pitching Coach: Eric Yardley Asst. Pitching Coach: Tommy Caulfield Position Coach: Petr Stříbrcký
DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS Single-A · Florida State League VENUE & CONTACT Stadium: TD Ballpark Address: 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698 Stadium Capacity: 8,500 Phone: (727) 733-9302 Website: dunedinbluejays.com FRONT OFFICE VP, Florida Operations: Shelby Nelson GM, Florida Operations & Dunedin: Matt Woak FIELD STAFF Manager: Ryan Casteel Bench Coach: Ashley Stephenson Hitting Coach: Nash Knight Pitching Coach: Brett Kennedy Position Coach: Andy Fermin Asst. Pitching Coach: Antonio Caceres
FCL BLUE JAYS Rookie · Florida Complex League VENUE & CONTACT Facility: Toronto Blue Jays Player Development Complex Address: 3031 Garrison Road, Dunedin, FL 34698 Phone: (727) 734-8007 Home Field: Player Development Complex FIELD STAFF Manager: Danny Canellas Bench Coach: Dimas Ponce Pitching Coach: Yoel Hernandez Asst. Pitching Coach: Sawyer Bridges Hitting Coach: Jacob Caples Hitting Coach: Jesus Azuaje Position Coach: Angel Guzman
DSL BLUE JAYS – BLUE Rookie · Dominican Summer League VENUE & CONTACT Facility: D.R. Academy Location: Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Home Field: TOR DR Academy FIELD STAFF Manager: Ashley Ponce Bench Coach: Jose Ferrer Pitching Coach: Victor Ramos Hitting Coach: Ricardo Nanita Position Coach: Jose Mateo Assistant Pitching Coach: Ramon Marte
DSL BLUE JAYS – RED Rookie · Dominican Summer League VENUE & CONTACT Facility: D.R. Academy Location: Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Home Field: TOR DR Academy FIELD STAFF Manager: Deiferson Barreto Bench Coach: Branden Gonzalez Hitting Coach: Mark Ossanna Pitching Coach: Rafael Monsion Assistant Pitching Coach: Juan Nunez Position Coach: Reed Lavallee
2026 TORONTO BLUE JAYS OFFICIAL YEARBOOK |114
CANADA’S TEAM CANADA’S SPORTSBOOK TM TM
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
Odds & Lines are Subject to Change. Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has gambling concerns, callPlease ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit ConnexOntario Odds & Lines are Subject to Change. play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has gambling concerns, call at of1-866-531-2600 or visit ConnexOntario S BET and all related marks and designs are ConnexOntario trademarks and/or copyright Score Digital Sports Ventures (Canada) Inc. and its affiliates ("theScore Bet"). © 2026 theScore Bet.
™TORONTO BLUE JAYS, CANADA’S TEAM, “50 Seasons” design, bird head design, and all related marks and designs are trademarks and/or copyright of Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership (“RBJBP”). © 2026 RBJBP S BET and all related marks and designs are trademarks and/or copyright of Score Digital Sports Ventures (Canada) Inc. and its affiliates ("theScore Bet"). © 2026 theScore Bet. ™TORONTO BLUE JAYS, CANADA’S TEAM, “50 Seasons” design, bird head design, and all related marks and designs are trademarks and/or copyright of Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership (“RBJBP”). © 2026 RBJBP