[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
