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The Toronto Blue Jays have a storied legacy in Major League Baseball, with 11 playoff appearances since their establishment nearly five decades ago. This season unfolds a significant chapter as they enter the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle MarinersNew York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS).
A deep dive into the Blue Jays’ playoff legacy
Historically, the Blue Jays have advanced to the ALCS seven times: in 1985, 1989, and consecutively from 1991 to 1993, with additional appearances in 2015 and 2016. Each of these seasons has significantly influenced the team’s character and contributed to the legacy they uphold today.
1985: The inaugural playoff appearance
In their inaugural postseason appearance, the Blue Jays recorded an impressive 99 wins during the regular season in 1985, a record that remains unmatched. They finished fourth in the league for runs scored, with six players achieving double-digit home runs.
The playoffs were shorter at that time, allowing Toronto to advance directly to the ALCS, where they faced the Kansas City Royals. The series was a hard-fought contest that extended to seven games, but the Royals ultimately emerged victorious and went on to secure the World Series title.
Setbacks in the late 1980s
Following a modest 89-win season in 1989, the Jays clinched the division title. However, their matchup against the Oakland Athletics in the ALCS proved disappointing, with the team managing only one win throughout the series.
The Athletics subsequently swept the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.
In 1991, the Toronto Blue Jays marked a noteworthy season with 91 wins. However, they once again fell short in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), securing only one victory against the Minnesota Twins, who would go on to claim the championship.
The glory years: Back-to-back championships
The early 1990s represented a pivotal moment for the Blue Jays. In 1992, they returned to the ALCS with a formidable roster featuring players such as Joe Carter, Dave Winfield, and Roberto Alomar. This team combined power with speed, supported by a strong pitching staff that included Jimmy Key and David Cone, alongside a reliable bullpen.
That season, Toronto triumphed in the ALCS in six games against the Athletics, advancing to the World Series. There, they secured their first championship by defeating the Atlanta Braves in another six-game series.
In 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays strengthened their roster with key players such as Paul Molitor and Rickey Henderson. Their improved performance resulted in a higher batting average and on-base percentage than their competitors. The team concluded the regular season with an impressive record of 95 wins. The Blue Jays again triumphed in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), defeating the Chicago White Sox. This victory propelled them to their second consecutive World Series title, where they overcame the Philadelphia Phillies.
A long wait for the postseason
Blue Jays’ playoff journey: a decade of highs and lows
The Toronto Blue Jays marked a significant return to the playoffs in 2015, driven by the dynamic presence of José Bautista. His celebrated bat flip became a defining moment of that season. The team achieved a remarkable 93 wins, clinching the division title. In the American League Division Series (ALDS), they triumphed over the Texas Rangers. However, their journey ended in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Kansas City Royals, where they lost 4-2, allowing Kansas City to advance and ultimately win the World Series.
In 2016, the Blue Jays aimed for redemption, securing a wildcard game victory and sweeping the Rangers once more. Yet, their hopes were dashed by the Cleveland Indians, who also fell to the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. The numbers speak clearly: the Blue Jays faced both success and heartbreak in their playoff pursuits.
Blue Jays draw inspiration from past successes
José Bautista recently reflected on the current roster of the Toronto Blue Jays, drawing parallels between the energy of the 2015 team and the present squad. Bautista emphasized that having fun and fostering camaraderie are crucial elements for achieving greatness in baseball.
The Blue Jays’ journey through the highs and lows of postseason play has been remarkable. As they prepare for the American League Championship Series, fans are eager to see if this team can add another chapter to the franchise’s storied legacy.
