Jose Bautista speaks on his time in Toronto and what he thinks about current Blue Jays team
Photo credit: https://torontolife.com
Six-time MLB All-Star Jose Bautista blossomed into a franchise legend during his 10 seasons in Toronto, defining the Blue Jays' offence with his clutch batting and devastating swing.
Seeing his name on the stadium's Level of Excellence still leaves Bautista with a «surreal» feeling.
«It's a good reminder of the time that I spent here, 10 years, it's a long time,» Bautista said. «A full decade and a lot of good memories and a lot of good times here.»
Sporting a white Blue Jays jersey as he took in a recent game with family in a suite at the ballpark, the memories remain strong for one of the franchise's all-time greats.
The bat-flip homer in the 2015 playoffs was his signature moment with Toronto but Bautista delivered countless highlights in a Blue Jays uniform.
Bautista, who played for eight teams over his 15-year big-league career, will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday in St. Marys, Ont.
Bautista's memorable three-run bat-flip homer came in a wild 53-minute seventh inning in the Jays' 2015 American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers.
For a team making its playoff return for the first time in 22 years, it was a true 'wow' moment for the current generation of Toronto fans. Bautista also helped anchor the Blue Jays team that returned to the AL Championship Series in 2016.
In an interview with Alex Cyr from Toronto Life Bautista gave some candid answers to some interesting questions.
What do you miss most about Toronto?
The people: all the Jays fans, my friends, the workers at the stadium.
Who are you most excited to be inducted alongside into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame?
Fergie Jenkins represents a lot for Canadian baseball. And Pedro Martinez-as a fellow Dominican, I'm proud to take my place next to him.
What was your favourite moment as a Jay?
The bat flip-and all the excitement and emotions about that moment, game and season. It was great to allow us to move forward to another round of the playoffs.
Did you keep the bat?
I did. I have it at home in my office, very well taken care of. We'll see what happens to it in the future.
How did it feel to watch the Jays play in person this week?
They've been playing great, so I'm looking forward to more of that this summer and hopefully some meaningful games in September.
Who's your favourite Jay right now?
Obviously, Vladdy. I can't help but root for that kid-I met him when he was still in diapers. I used to go eat at his dad's house when we were playing against him. Vlad Sr. used to cook for everybody before games. Vlad Jr. was around, hitting the ball with his plastic bat. I got to see him grow up, so I'm very happy for him.
What's your favourite Jays jersey of all time?
The baby blue, the one we wore back in the day when I first came to Toronto. I like that colour. It's a cool retro vibe. My favourite is the one without buttons-it reminds me of Little League, when we didn't have any buttons on our jersey.
Do you have a mentor as you launch into your new career in business?
I have a dozen or so who have given me great advice. I try to take it all in, make good decisions, find meaning in what I do and be a good person.
His last season in Toronto came in 2017 and he played for the three teams - the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies - in his final MLB campaign in 2018.
Bautista hit a club-record 54 homers in 2010, was a six-time all-star and won three Silver Slugger awards. He formally retired in 2023, the year he was added to the Level of Excellence.
«What I'm most proud of is just being available,» Bautista said. «Being there ready to contribute and being one of those guys that was just grinding.»
Would you like to see Jose Bautista come back to the Toronto Blue Jays in some kind of coaching capacity?
Tell us what you think in the poll below.
Source: The Canadian Press and Toronto Life
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 129 ANSWERS Jose Bautista speaks on his time in Toronto and what he thinks about current Blue Jays team Would you like to see Jose Bautista come back to the Toronto Blue Jays in some kind of coaching capacity? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 92.2 % |
| No | 10 | 7.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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