[custom_countdown width=”125px”] The Toronto Blue Jays are one of Major League Baseball’s most successful expansion franchises. Founded in 1977, Toronto became the first Canadian American League team to win the World Series, capturing back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993. From their snowy first game at Exhibition Stadium to the glory years of Roberto Alomar, Joe Carter, Dave Winfield and Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays have built one of the most interesting histories in modern baseball. The Birth of the Toronto Blue Jays Toronto was awarded an American League expansion franchise in 1976. The Blue Jays played their first Major League game on April 7, 1977, against the Chicago White Sox at Exhibition Stadium. The conditions were unforgettable. Snow flurries and near-freezing temperatures greeted 44,649 fans, but Toronto defeated Chicago 9-5 in its first game. The franchise was named the Blue Jays, a name that connected the club with Canada’s national colors and the bird commonly associated with North America. Toronto initially struggled, but the organization gradually developed a strong farm system and began building a contender. Blue Jays Ownership Through the Years The Blue Jays have had several ownership groups rather than one individual owner. 1976-1991 — Labatt Breweries / Imperial Trust / CIBC The original ownership structure was: Labatt Breweries — 45% Imperial Trust Limited — 45% Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce — 10% 1991-1995 — John Labatt Limited / CIBC Ownership changed to: John Labatt Limited — 90% Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce — 10% 1995-2000 — Interbrew / CIBC The club was then owned: Interbrew S.A. — 90% Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce — 10% 2000-2004 — Rogers / Interbrew Rogers Communications acquired an 80% interest, while Interbrew retained 20%. 2004-Present — Rogers Communications Rogers Communications became the 100% owner of the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2004 and remains the club’s owner. Rogers’ ownership has included major investments in the organization and a massive renovation of the Blue Jays’ home stadium. Blue Jays Home Ballparks Exhibition Stadium — 1977-1989 The Blue Jays played their first 12 seasons at Exhibition Stadium. The stadium hosted 968 Blue Jays games from April 7, 1977, through May 28, 1989. Toronto’s record there was 492-476. The ballpark became famous for its cold early-season weather and winds coming off Lake Ontario. SkyDome — 1989-2005 The Blue Jays moved into SkyDome in June 1989. The stadium was revolutionary because of its retractable roof. It gave Toronto a modern baseball facility capable of protecting games from Canada’s unpredictable weather. The Blue Jays played their first game there on June 5, 1989, against Milwaukee. Rogers Centre — 2005-Present SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre in 2005. In 2022, the Blue Jays announced a nearly $400 million privately funded renovation. The project transformed the facility from a multipurpose stadium into a modern baseball-focused ballpark. The Rogers Centre remains the Blue Jays’ home. Building the First Great Blue Jays Team Toronto’s first major breakthrough came in the 1980s. Players such as: George Bell, Lloyd Moseby, Jesse Barfield, Tony Fernández, Dave Stieb, Jimmy Key, Willie Upshaw, and Ernie Whitt helped turn Toronto into an American League contender. The Blue Jays won their first American League East championship in 1985. They defeated the Yankees in the division race and reached the postseason for the first time. Although Toronto eventually lost the AL Championship Series to Kansas City, the 1985 club established the Blue Jays as a serious baseball power. The 1992 World Championship The 1992 Blue Jays finished 96-66 and won the American League East. Toronto defeated Oakland in the American League Championship Series and reached the World Series for the first time. The opponent was the Atlanta Braves. The Blue Jays won the World Series four games to two. Game 6 became one of the greatest games in franchise history. With the score tied in the 11th inning, Dave Winfield doubled home two runs. Toronto won 4-3 and became the first Canadian-based team to win the World Series. Pat Borders was named World Series MVP. 1992 World Series Toronto Blue Jays defeated Atlanta Braves, 4-2 Game 1: Atlanta 3, Toronto 1 Game 2: Toronto 5, Atlanta 4 Game 3: Toronto 3, Atlanta 2 Game 4: Toronto 2, Atlanta 1 Game 5: Atlanta 7, Toronto 2 Game 6: Toronto 4, Atlanta 3 The 1993 World Championship Toronto followed its first championship with an even more explosive season. The 1993 Blue Jays returned to the World Series and faced the Philadelphia Phillies. Toronto won the series four games to two. The championship ended with one of the most famous home runs in baseball history. Joe Carter’s World Series Home Run On October 23, 1993, Joe Carter hit a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6. The Blue Jays won 8-6 and became the first team since the 1977-78 Yankees to win consecutive World Series championships. 1993 World Series Toronto Blue Jays defeated Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2 Toronto became the first—and remains the only—Canadian franchise to win multiple World Series championships. Blue Jays World Series Championships The Toronto Blue Jays have won two World Series championships: 1992 — defeated Atlanta Braves, 4-2 1993 — defeated Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2 The Blue Jays have appeared in the World Series twice and won both times. American League MVP Winners Toronto has produced two American League MVP winners: George Bell — 1987 George Bell became the first Blue Jay to win the American League MVP… Continue reading Toronto Blue Jays Complete History
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Milwaukee Brewers Complete History
The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most unusual histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began not in Milwaukee, but in Seattle as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. After only one season, the financially troubled Pilots were purchased by a Milwaukee-based group led by Allan H. “Bud” Selig and moved to Milwaukee for the 1970 season. Since then, the Brewers have played in both the American League and National League, won an American League pennant, captured multiple division championships and produced some of baseball’s greatest players. There is, however, one major championship still missing from the franchise history: the Brewers have never won a World Series. The Beginning: The Seattle Pilots Major League Baseball expanded in 1969, creating four new franchises. One of those teams was the Seattle Pilots, who played in the American League West. The Pilots played their home games at Sick’s Stadium, which was not considered adequate for a modern Major League team. The franchise struggled financially and finished its only season with a 64–98 record. After the 1969 season, the franchise went bankrupt. Milwaukee businessman Bud Selig led a group that purchased the Pilots out of bankruptcy on March 31, 1970. Seven days later, the newly relocated Milwaukee Brewers began the 1970 season. The Brewers therefore have a unique distinction: their franchise history includes both the 1969 Seattle Pilots and the Milwaukee Brewers beginning in 1970. Milwaukee Brewers Owners The Brewers have had four principal ownership eras. William R. Daley and Dewey & Max Soriano 1969. The original ownership group controlled the Seattle Pilots during their one season. The Pilots were owned by a group headed by William R. Daley, with Dewey and Max Soriano among the principal owners. The franchise was in severe financial trouble by the end of the 1969 season. Bud Selig 1970–1997 Allan H. “Bud” Selig led the group that purchased the bankrupt Seattle Pilots and moved them to Milwaukee. Selig became the defining owner of the early Brewers. Under his ownership, Milwaukee eventually became one of the American League’s strongest teams. The 1982 Brewers won the American League pennant and reached the World Series. The team featured future Hall of Famers including: Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Don Sutton. Selig later became Commissioner of Major League Baseball. The Baseball Hall of Fame elected Selig in 2017. Wendy Selig-Prieb 1998–2004 When Bud Selig became commissioner, his ownership interest was transferred to a blind trust and ultimately to his daughter Wendy Selig-Prieb. She became the Brewers’ principal owner and president/CEO. The team struggled during much of this period, including a long stretch of losing seasons. The Selig family eventually agreed to sell the franchise. Mark Attanasio 2005–Present Mark Attanasio became principal owner after MLB approved the sale in January 2005. Attanasio purchased the club for approximately $223 million. His ownership group has included investors such as John Canning Jr., David Uihlein, Harris Turer and Stephen Marcus, among others. Under Attanasio, Milwaukee ended its long run of losing seasons and returned to postseason baseball. The Brewers reached the postseason in 2008, the NLCS in 2011, the NLCS again in 2018, and established themselves as one of the National League’s most consistently competitive clubs. Brewers Home Ballparks Sick’s Stadium Seattle Pilots — 1969 The franchise’s original home was Sick’s Stadium in Seattle. The Pilots played there for only one season. Milwaukee County Stadium 1970–2000 When the franchise moved to Milwaukee, the Brewers played at Milwaukee County Stadium. The stadium had originally been built for the Milwaukee Braves and became the home of the Brewers beginning in 1970. It hosted some of the greatest moments of the early Brewers era, including the 1982 American League pennant-winning season. County Stadium also hosted the 1975 All-Star Game. The Brewers remained there through the 2000 season. Miller Park 2001–2020 The Brewers moved into the new Miller Park in 2001. The stadium featured a retractable roof, allowing games to be played despite Milwaukee’s unpredictable weather. Miller Park became famous for its retractable roof, Bernie Brewer, the sausage races and the distinctive fan atmosphere. American Family Field 2021–Present Miller Park was renamed American Family Field beginning in 2021. It remains the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The ballpark has continued the tradition of the famous retractable roof and has become one of the most recognizable stadiums in Major League Baseball. The Brewers Change Leagues The Brewers spent most of their history in the American League. They moved from the AL West to the AL East in 1972. In 1994, MLB realigned the divisions, placing Milwaukee in the new American League Central. Then came one of the biggest changes in franchise history. In 1998, the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League Central. Milwaukee therefore became only the second modern MLB franchise, along with Houston, to play in both leagues. The 1982 Milwaukee Brewers The greatest team of the early Brewers era was the 1982 club. Known for their powerful offense, the Brewers became known as “Harvey’s Wallbangers”, named after manager Harvey Kuenn. The lineup included: Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Gorman, Thomas, Ted Simmons, Jim Gantner, Charlie Moore, The pitching staff included: Don Sutton, Pete Vuckovich, Rollie Fingers, Moose Haas The Brewers finished the regular season 95–67 and won the American League East. They defeated the California Angels in the AL Championship Series. Milwaukee then faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. 1982 World Series The Brewers lost the World Series to St. Louis. St. Louis Cardinals 4 Milwaukee Brewers 3 The Series became famous for its dramatic back-and-forth nature. Milwaukee won three games, but St. Louis captured the championship in seven games. The 1982 World Series remains the only World Series appearance in Brewers franchise history. Have the Brewers Ever Won the World Series? No. … Continue reading Milwaukee Brewers Complete History
The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
The Athletics are one of the oldest and most traveled franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1901 as a charter member of the American League, the franchise has called Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland and West Sacramento home. Along the way, the A’s have won nine World Series championships, produced legendary players and managers, and become one of baseball’s most recognizable franchises. The franchise was known as the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901-1954, the Kansas City Athletics from 1955-1967, and the Oakland Athletics from 1968-2024. Beginning in 2025, the club began its temporary stay at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, with a planned move to a new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028. The Beginning: The Philadelphia Athletics The Athletics began play in Philadelphia in 1901. Connie Mack was brought in to run the baseball operation, while sporting-goods businessman Benjamin F. Shibe became the club’s principal early owner. The original ownership group included Benjamin Shibe, Connie Mack, Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. Mack gradually acquired additional ownership and eventually became the dominant figure in the organization. The Philadelphia Athletics quickly became one of the American League’s premier clubs. They won American League pennants in 1902, 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1929, 1930 and 1931. Five of those pennant-winning teams captured the World Series. Athletics Home Parks Columbia Park — Philadelphia 1901-1908 The first home of the Athletics was Columbia Park in North Philadelphia. The park opened in 1901 and originally held about 9,500 fans. Capacity was later increased to approximately 13,600. Shibe Park — Philadelphia 1909-1954 The Athletics moved into Shibe Park in 1909. It was one of baseball’s first major concrete-and-steel stadiums. The park was named for owner Benjamin Shibe. In 1953 it was officially renamed Connie Mack Stadium in honor of the legendary manager. The Athletics played there until leaving Philadelphia after the 1954 season. Municipal Stadium — Kansas City 1955-1967 After the franchise was sold and moved to Kansas City, the Athletics played at Municipal Stadium. The stadium had previously been associated with the Kansas City Blues and Kansas City Monarchs. The facility was extensively rebuilt before the Athletics began play there in 1955. Oakland Coliseum — Oakland 1968-2024 The Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968 and played their first game at the Coliseum on April 17, 1968. The Coliseum became the longest-running home in Athletics history and witnessed four World Series championships, the 20-game winning streak of 2002, The Bash Brothers era, the Moneyball era and many other memorable moments. The final Athletics game in Oakland was played in September 2024. Sutter Health Park — West Sacramento 2025-2027 The Athletics moved temporarily to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento beginning with the 2025 season. The agreement calls for the Athletics to play there through 2027, with an option for 2028 if the planned Las Vegas stadium is not ready. Las Vegas — Planned Future Home The Athletics are planning to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas for the 2028 season. The Las Vegas facility is intended to become the franchise’s permanent home after the temporary Sacramento period. Athletics Ownership Through the Years The ownership history of the Athletics is almost as interesting as the playing history. Philadelphia Athletics 1901-1921 — Benjamin F. Shibe and Connie Mack, with other original minority owners including Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. 1922-1936 — Tom Shibe, John Shibe and Connie Mack 1936-1937 — John Shibe and Connie Mack 1937-1950 — Connie Mack and the Mack/Shibe ownership interests 1950-1954 — Connie Mack, Roy Mack and Earle Mack The Mack family ultimately controlled the club before selling it after the 1954 season. Kansas City Athletics 1954-1960 — Arnold Johnson Arnold Johnson purchased the Philadelphia Athletics and moved the franchise to Kansas City. 1960-1980 — Charles O. “Charlie” Finley Finley became one of the most colorful owners in baseball history. He purchased controlling interest in 1960 and eventually acquired the remaining ownership interests. Finley moved the team to Oakland in 1968 and was the owner when the Athletics won three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 through 1974. Oakland Athletics 1980-1995 — Walter A. Haas Jr. Haas purchased the Athletics from Finley following the 1980 season. During his ownership, Oakland won three consecutive American League pennants from 1988-1990 and the 1989 World Series. 1995-2005 — Stephen Schott and Ken Hofmann Schott and Hofmann purchased the Athletics in 1995. The team reached the postseason four consecutive years from 2000-2003. 2005-2016 — Lewis Wolff and John Fisher Wolff, Fisher and a limited partnership group purchased the Athletics in 2005. 2016-present — John Fisher Fisher became managing partner in 2016 after Wolff stepped down from the position. Fisher remains the Athletics’ owner and managing partner. The Athletics’ Nine World Series Championships The Athletics have won nine World Series championships, with titles spread across three different cities. Year Opponent Result Athletics Series Record 1910 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1911 New York Giants Won 4-2 1913 New York Giants Won 4-1 1929 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1930 St. Louis Cardinals Won 4-2 1972 Cincinnati Reds Won 4-3 1973 New York Mets Won 4-3 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers Won 4-1 1989 San Francisco Giants Won 4-0 That gives the Athletics an all-time World Series record of 36 wins and 18 losses in their nine championship series. The nine championships occurred in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, 1930, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1989. The Philadelphia Dynasties The first Athletics dynasty was built around stars such as Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Chief Bender and Eddie Plank. The 1910, 1911 and 1913 Athletics won three World Series championships in four years. The second Philadelphia dynasty came in the late 1920s and early 1930s. That team featured: Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane. Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Eddie Collins Connie Mack Philadelphia won the World Series in 1929 and 1930 and reached the World Series again in 1931. The Oakland Dynasty The greatest modern Athletics dynasty came during the early 1970s. Oakland won… Continue reading The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
HISTORY OF PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Pittsburgh Pirates: A History of Home Parks, Championships, Legends and the Stars They Let Get Away The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most historically important franchises. Their roots reach back to the 19th century, and the club has been home to some of baseball’s greatest players, including Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, the Waner brothers, Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski. The Pirates have won five World Series championships—1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979—and have played in seven World Series, including the first modern World Series in 1903. They have also experienced one of baseball’s most frustrating traditions: developing talented players and, at various times, trading them away before those players reached their greatest accomplishments elsewhere. From the Alleghenys to the Pirates The franchise’s history begins before the name “Pirates” was officially adopted. Professional baseball came to Pittsburgh in 1876, when the Pittsburgh Alleghenys played at Union Park. The club that became the modern Pirates was formally established in 1882 as a member of the American Association. The club joined the National League in 1887. The famous “Pirates” nickname came from an incident involving second baseman Lou Bierbauer. Pittsburgh signed Bierbauer after he had played in the Players’ League. Officials of the American Association accused Pittsburgh of acting “piratically” in taking the player. Pittsburgh eventually embraced the accusation, and the Pirates nickname became official in 1891. The name proved appropriate. Pittsburgh soon became one of baseball’s most aggressive and successful franchises. Every Major Home Park in Pirates History The Pirates’ ballpark history is unusually complicated because several early facilities carried the name Exposition Park. 1. Union Park — 1876 and early Pittsburgh professional baseball Union Park was one of the earliest important baseball grounds in the Pittsburgh area. The franchise’s roots include professional games there in 1876, before the modern Pirates franchise entered the American Association in 1882. 2. Exposition Park I — 1882-1883 The Alleghenys began their American Association existence at the first Exposition Park. The park was located along the Allegheny River in what was then Allegheny City. Flooding and a fire contributed to the construction of another facility. 3. Exposition Park II — 1883 A second Exposition Park was constructed in 1883. The Alleghenys played there for part of the season before moving to Recreation Park. 4. Recreation Park — 1884-1890 Recreation Park became the Alleghenys’ principal home for much of the 1880s. It was farther from the river and less vulnerable to flooding. When Pittsburgh entered the National League in 1887, Recreation Park became the first home of the Pittsburgh Alleghenys in the NL. 5. Exposition Park III — 1891-1909 The Pirates returned to the Exposition grounds in 1891. This third Exposition Park became one of the most historically significant parks in baseball. It was here that the Pirates played the home games of the 1903 World Series, the first modern World Series. Pittsburgh won National League pennants in 1901, 1902 and 1903 while playing at Exposition Park. But the 1903 World Series ended in disappointment. The Pirates lost the best-of-nine series to the Boston Americans, 5 games to 3. Deacon Phillippe started five games for Pittsburgh. 6. Forbes Field — 1909-1970 Forbes Field opened on June 30, 1909. It became the Pirates’ home for more than six decades and witnessed three Pittsburgh World Series championships: 1909 1925 1960 It was also the site of perhaps the most famous home run in Pirates history: Bill Mazeroski’s ninth-inning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, which gave Pittsburgh the championship against the New York Yankees. Forbes Field also became famous for another historic event: Babe Ruth hit the final three home runs of his career there in 1935. 7. Three Rivers Stadium — 1970-2000 The Pirates moved into Three Rivers Stadium in 1970. The multipurpose stadium stood on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the site of the old Exposition Park. Its first Pirates game was played July 16, 1970. Three Rivers became the home of the Pirates’ championship teams of: 1971 1979 The 1971 championship was especially memorable because Roberto Clemente was spectacular throughout the World Series, batting .414 and winning Series MVP honors. 8. PNC Park — 2001-present PNC Park opened in 2001 and returned the Pirates to the North Shore. It is dramatically different from Three Rivers. Rather than being a huge multipurpose concrete stadium, PNC Park was designed specifically for baseball, with a grass field, intimate seating and views of downtown Pittsburgh. It has become one of baseball’s most highly regarded settings. The Pirates’ World Series History The Pirates have appeared in seven World Series and won five. Year Opponent Result 1903 Boston Americans Lost, 5-3 1909 Detroit Tigers Won, 4-3 1925 Washington Senators Won, 4-3 1927 New York Yankees Lost, 4-0 1960 New York Yankees Won, 4-3 1971 Baltimore Orioles Won, 4-3 1979 Baltimore Orioles Won, 4-3 The Pirates have therefore won five World Series and lost two. 1909: The First Pirates Championship The 1909 Pirates won a franchise-record 110 games. The team featured perhaps the greatest player of the early 20th century, Honus Wagner. But the World Series hero was a young pitcher named Babe Adams. Adams went 12-3 during the regular season and then won three games in the World Series against Detroit, including the deciding Game 7. 1925: The Great Comeback The 1925 Pirates defeated the Washington Senators. Pittsburgh fell behind three games to one but won the final three games to take the championship. The comeback included a remarkable Game 7 victory against legendary pitcher Walter Johnson. The 1925 club included future Hall of Famers Pie Traynor, Kiki Cuyler, Max Carey and Rabbit Maranville. 1960: Mazeroski’s Home Run If you ask baseball fans to name the most famous Pirates moment, many will immediately mention Bill Mazeroski. The 1960 World Series was dominated by the powerful Yankees in several games. New York won Games 2, 3 and 6 by a combined score of 38-3. Yet Pittsburgh kept winning the games that… Continue reading HISTORY OF PITTSBURGH PIRATES
