Toronto Blue Jays

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1977

  • Original Name/City: Toronto Blue Jays

  • Current Ballpark: Rogers Centre

  • World Series Titles: 2 (1992, 1993)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Jays

A History of the Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays joined the American League in the 1977 expansion, bringing Major League Baseball outside of the US for the first time. After several years of predictable expansion-team struggles at Exhibition Stadium, the franchise began to build a contender under manager Cito Gaston.

By the mid-1980s, led by young stars like George Bell and Tony Fernandez, the Blue Jays became a force in the AL East, winning their first division title in 1985. In 1989, the team moved into the revolutionary SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), the first MLB stadium with a fully retractable roof.

The franchise's golden era started in the early 1990s. General Manager Pat Gillick assembled a powerhouse roster of veterans and stars, including Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and Dave Winfield. In 1992, the Blue Jays defeated the Atlanta Braves to become the first team based outside the US to win the World Series.

They proved their dominance by winning again in 1993, with Joe Carter hitting a dramatic, walk-off home run to win the series against the Philadelphia Phillies—one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.

Following back-to-back championships, the team entered a long period of decline and did not return to the postseason for over two decades.

A new era was ushered in during the 2015 season, fueled by a powerful lineup featuring sluggers José Bautista and Edwin Encarnación. Bautista's "bat flip" home run in the 2015 ALDS is an iconic moment for a new generation of Jays fans.

Today, the Blue Jays continue to be a competitive force in the AL East, supported by a passionate national fanbase that represents the entirety of Canada.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1977: Founded as an expansion team.

  • 1985: Won their first AL East division title.

  • 1989: Moved into the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre).

  • 1992: Won their first World Series.

  • 1993: Won their second World Series on Joe Carter's walk-off home run.

  • 2015: Returned to the postseason for the first time in 22 years.

Legendary Players

Dave Stieb (1979-1992, 1998)

  • Stieb was the franchise's first true star. A seven-time All-Star, he was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s. In 1990, he pitched the first and only no-hitter in Blue Jays history.

Roberto Alomar (1991-1995)

  • A revolutionary force at second base, Alomar was the catalyst for the Blue Jays' championship teams. A sublime defensive player and clutch switch-hitter, he was the 1992 ALCS MVP and a Hall of Famer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest second basemen of all time.

Joe Carter (1991-1997)

  • Carter provided power and leadership to the Blue Jays’ lineup, but he is immortalized by a single swing. His dramatic, three-run, walk-off home run to win the 1993 World Series is the defining moment in franchise history— and one of baseball's most indelible highlights.

Roy Halladay (1998-2009)

  • Roy “Doc” Halladay was a beacon of excellence during a long stretch of lean years for the franchise. The homegrown ace was a workhorse with a bulldog mentality, winning the 2003 AL Cy Young Award. His quiet determination and utter dominance made him one of the most respected players of his era.