Toronto Blue Jays History

Toronto Awarded MLB Franchise

Mar 26, 1976

Original owners paid $7 million to purchase team.

Blue Jays Play First Game

Apr 7, 1977

The Blue Jays beat the Chicago White Sox 9-5.

Alfredo Griffin wins Rookie of the Year

Nov 26, 1979

Alfredo Griffin, Blue Jays shortstop wins AL Rookie of the Year.

Jays finish above .500

Oct 2, 1983

For the first time in franchise history, the Blue Jays finish above .500 with a record of 89-73.

Jays win AL East

Oct 5, 1985

The Jays finish with a record of 99-63 to win the American League East and earn a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history.

George Bell wins MVP!

Nov 17, 1987

George Bell wins the first MVP award in franchise history.

Jays play first game in SkyDome

Jun 5, 1989

The Jays played their first game at the SkyDome against the Milwaukee Brewers, losing 5-3.

Jays-Padres Blockbuster Trade

Dec 5, 1990

The Blue Jays acquired Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar from the San Diego Padres for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez.

Jays win World Series

Oct 24, 1992

The Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves in six games to win their first-ever World Series title.

Back-to-Back Titles

Oct 23, 1993

The Jays beat the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to claim ther second consecutive World Series title.

Pat Hentgen, Cy Young

Nov 12, 1996

Pat Hentgen wins the first Cy Young award in club history, finishing with a 20-10 record.

Roger Clemens wins Triple Crown & Cy Young Award

Nov 10, 1997

In a dominating season, Roger Clemens finished with 21 wins, 292 strikeouts, and a 2.05 ERA and wins the Cy Young award.

Cy Young Award x 3

Nov 16, 1998

Roger Clemens wins the Jays` third consecutive Cy Young award.

Eric Hinske wins Rookie of the Year award

Nov 4, 2002

Jays` 3B Eric Hinske wins the team`s second-ever ROY award.

Roy Halladay wins his first Cy Young Award

Nov 11, 2003

Roy Halladay won his first Cy Young award, finishing with a team-record 22 wins.

Alex Anthopoulos named GM

Oct 3, 2009

The man who would have to trade Roy Halladay is named Blue Jays`GM.

Jose Bautista hits his 50th home run

Sep 23, 2010

Jose Bautista became the first player in franchise history to break the 50 home run-barrier. He`d finish the season with 54.

Jays retire Roberto Alomar`s number

Jul 21, 2011

Following his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Roberto Alomar`s number 12 is retired by the club

Brett Lawrie debuts for Jays

Aug 5, 2011

Brett Lawrie takes Toronto by storm, slugging 9 home runs in just 150 at- bats.

Spring Training begins

Feb 21, 2012

Blue Jays Homepage Report on Spring TrainingPitchers and catchers report to Dunedin, Florida for the start of spring training.

Blue Jays lose spring training game to Pittsburgh.

Apr 1, 2012

Spring Training Loss Blue Jays lose a close match to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Dunedin.

Encarnacion to hit cleanup.

Apr 2, 2012

Edwin Encarnacion will hit behind Jose Bautista this season.