The Toronto Blue Jays history highlights the rise of Canada’s most successful Major League Baseball franchise. Since joining MLB in 1977, the Blue Jays have built a reputation for competitive teams, loyal fans, and unforgettable moments. Today, Toronto Blue Jays MLB continues to inspire with its championship legacy and ongoing pursuit of baseball excellence.
Established
1977
City
Toronto
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1977 – 1999 / American League
Team History
1977 – Present / Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays Origin
Nickname
Blue Jays – More than 30,000 entries were received during a five week name the team contest. A panel of 14 judges, including 10 Toronto media members, selected 10 finalists. From that list, the club’s board of directors settled on Blue Jays. “The Blue Jays was felt to be the most appropriate of the final 10 names submitted,” according to a statement issued by the board’s chairman, R. Howard Webster.
“The blue jay is a North American bird, bright blue in color, with white under covering and a black neck ring. It is strong, aggressive and inquisitive.
Championship
World Series 2
1993, 1992
Stadium
2006 – Present / Rogers Centre
1989 – 2005 / SkyDome
1977 – 1989 / Exhibition Stadium
Owner
2000 – Present / Rogers Communications
1976 – 2000 / Labatt Brewing Company
- 1977
- 1989
- 1992
- 1993
-
Toronto Blue Jays Team Formation
The City of Toronto had renovated Exhibition Stadium to accommodate Major League Baseball (MLB), in anticipation of the Giants relocating there, and continued to push for an MLB franchise. MLB awarded the City of Toronto an expansion franchise in 1976, along with Seattle, Washington. A group, headed by Labatt Breweries, with Imperial Trust and CIBC as minority owners, purchased the ... -
SkyDome Opens
Rogers Centre, originally known as SkyDome is a multi-purpose stadium in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada situated next to the CN Tower near the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989 on the former Railway Lands, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. The stadium was renamed ... -
World Series Winner 1992
The 1992 World Series was the first World Series ever with games played outside the United States, following the 1992 regular season. It pitted the American League champion Toronto Blue Jays against the National League champion Atlanta Braves. Toronto defeated Atlanta, four games to two, marking the first time a team based outside the United States won the World Series. -
World Series Winner 1993
The 1993 World Series was a best-of-seven playoff series to determine the champion of Major League Baseball for the 1993 season. It pitted the defending champion Toronto Blue Jays of the American League against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. With Toronto ahead three games to two in the Series, Joe Carter hit a game-winning three-run home run in the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Toronto Blue Jays History
The Toronto Blue Jays history began in 1977 when the franchise joined Major League Baseball as Canada’s second MLB team. From the start, they worked to build a strong identity and quickly rose to prominence. By the early 1990s, the Blue Jays became a powerhouse. They captured back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, making history as the first team outside the United States to win it all. Over the decades, Toronto Blue Jays MLB rosters have featured legendary players such as Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and Roy Halladay, who left a lasting mark on the franchise.
Throughout the years, the Toronto Blue Jays history has been defined by moments that shaped both the team and its fans. Joe Carter’s walk-off home run in the 1993 World Series remains one of the most iconic plays in baseball history. The team has also made eight postseason appearances since its founding, cementing its reputation as one of the league’s most competitive organizations.
In recent seasons, the Blue Jays have faced challenges. After reaching the playoffs in 2015 and 2016 behind stars like Josh Donaldson and Marcus Stroman, they struggled to return to October baseball. However, optimism grew again with the emergence of young stars such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio. This talented core has given new hope that the next great chapter in Toronto Blue Jays MLB history is just around the corner.
Despite ups and downs, the Blue Jays have remained central to Canadian sports culture. Their fan base, united under the #LetsRise movement, continues to fill Rogers Centre with energy and pride. For Canadians, the Toronto Blue Jays history represents more than wins and losses—it symbolizes national pride and the joy of having a competitive MLB team north of the border.
Blue Jays Achievements
The achievements of the franchise are undeniable. The Blue Jays are two-time World Series champions, multiple-time division winners, and have produced countless All-Stars and award winners. Players like Roy Halladay, who earned a Cy Young Award in Toronto, further highlighted the franchise’s excellence. These accomplishments showcase the impact of Toronto Blue Jays MLB on the sport.
Looking forward, the Blue Jays are positioned to remain contenders thanks to their strong farm system and commitment to development. Their mix of young stars and seasoned talent provides a promising foundation for future championships. The Toronto Blue Jays history continues to evolve, and with each season, the team adds new moments to a legacy already filled with unforgettable triumphs.
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Toronto's FOUR Greatest Blue Jays of All Time!
This video celebrates the Toronto Blue Jays by highlighting their four most significant players of all time! From power hitters to exceptional pitchers, we delve into the careers of these iconic athletes who left an indelible mark on the franchise and baseball game. Join us as we discuss their
Retired Number
12 / Roberto Alomar
32 / Roy Halladay
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history