An expansion team conceived in 1976, the Toronto Blue Jays expectedly struggled in their first season in Major League Baseball despite setting a new expansion team record for ticket sales. The team name was decided by a write in contest idea from a fan, who reasoned that it made sense due to the fact that all other sports teams in the town had the colors blue and white, in addition to the fact the city has a large population of blue jays.
The Toronto Blue Jays currently play at the Rogers Centre ball park and have played there since 1989. The Blue Jays have had the luxury of being home to several Hall of Fame players including pitcher Phil Niekro and designated hitters Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield.
The Blue Jays list of franchise accomplishments includes two World Series Championships, two American League pennants, five LCS appearances, and five AL East division titles.
The 34th season for the Blue Jays will be known for two significant events. First, it’s the beginning of the Alex Anthopoulos era and the end of 6-time All Star Roy Halladay’s tenure with the Jay’s. Anthopoulos, promoted to the GM position made some moves, sending Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies for Kyle Drabeck, Travis D’Arnaud and Michael Taylor. Taylor was then shipped to the Athletics for Brett Wallace. The team also announced that this season would by Manager Cito Gaston’s final year. In other offseason moves, the team recently signed Cuban SS Adeiny Hechavarria.
