Photo Credit: Alex D’Addese
There may not be a team in professional sports, let alone Major League Baseball, that exemplifies a “never say die” attitude, more than the 2015 Toronto Blue Jays.
It’s been 22 years since the Blue Jays last saw the postseason, a streak matched by no one else in any of the “Big 4” (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB).
For the lives of many younger Jays fans, the playoffs were merely a fantasy. Every year, Toronto would show flashes of brilliance, but it was never long before the team started losing.
Slowly, the ball caps on the side walk would be replaced with Maple Leafs toques. October would come and go, and yet another AL East title was won by someone else, and Toronto fans would try to be re-invigorated by the thought that the Maple Leafs would somehow solve Toronto’s woes.
It’s been 22 years since the Blue Jays last saw the postseason, a streak matched by no one else in any of the “Big 4” (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB).
For the lives of many younger Jays fans, the playoffs were merely a fantasy. Every year, Toronto would show flashes of brilliance, but it was never long before the team started losing.
Slowly, the ball caps on the side walk would be replaced with Maple Leafs toques. October would come and go, and yet another AL East title was won by someone else, and Toronto fans would try to be re-invigorated by the thought that the Maple Leafs would somehow solve Toronto’s woes.
In true, “Toronto sports fashion,” those dreams of success would also fall flat on their face.
First, it was the NBA‘s Toronto Raptors who stormed into the playoffs, lead by the now-famous, “F**k Brooklyn” mantra. But the Raptors failed to make it out of the first round.
First, it was the NBA‘s Toronto Raptors who stormed into the playoffs, lead by the now-famous, “F**k Brooklyn” mantra. But the Raptors failed to make it out of the first round.
Now in the 2015 season, Jays fans are finally getting their wish. In the week leading up to the trade deadline, GM Alex Anthopoulos acquired the help that players and fans alike have been waiting for for so long.
First, it was the acquisition of Troy Tulowitzki. Then it was David Price. Having already acquired Josh Donaldson in the off-season, the Jays suddenly had one of the best teams in baseball. Everything started to “#ComeTOgether”.
First, it was the acquisition of Troy Tulowitzki. Then it was David Price. Having already acquired Josh Donaldson in the off-season, the Jays suddenly had one of the best teams in baseball. Everything started to “#ComeTOgether”.
“Gamer, man. Trooper. Ready every day. He’s a guy that came from college to being the closer for a World Series team.”
– Dioner Navarro, on David Price
Before the Tulo deal, the Jays’ record was 50-51. After the deal, they went 43-20, on their way to capturing the American League East title, and finding themselves in the playoffs.
Qualifying for the postseason isn’t enough. They want a ring. In the ALDS against Texas, they lost the first two before storming back to win the series. Now, as they face off against the Royals, they find themselves in a similar position, down 2-0. Heading back to Missouri for games six and seven, the Jays have to win back-to-back if they want to continue their 2015 Cinderella story.
As we’ve learned this year, if any team in baseball can do it, it’s the Blue Jays.
As we’ve learned this year, if any team in baseball can do it, it’s the Blue Jays.
Dancing all the way to Game 6ix! #ComeTogether pic.twitter.com/9cHGvKkn18
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) 21 October 2015
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