1995–2001: The Gord Ash era Toronto Blue Jays

toronto blue jays logo (1997–2002)

the blue jays started 1997 high hopes. not did jays drastically change uniforms, signed former boston red sox ace roger clemens $24,750,000 contract. clemens had 1 of best pitching seasons ever won pitcher s triple crown, leading american league record of 21–7, 2.05 era, , 292 strikeouts. not enough lead blue jays postseason, however, finished in last place second time in 3 years record of 76–86. cito gaston, longtime manager led team 4 division titles , 2 world series crowns, fired 5 games before end of season. season did provide unique experience fans advent of interleague play, when blue jays faced canadian rival, montreal expos, first official games between 2 teams.

before start of 1998 season, blue jays acquired closer randy myers , slugger jose canseco. gaston replaced former blue jay tim johnson, relative unknown manager. despite mediocre hitting, strong pitching led clemens second straight pitching triple crown (20–6, 2.65 era, 271 strikeouts) sparked blue jays 88–74 record—their first winning season since 1993. however, enough finish distant third, 26 games behind new york yankees, posted 1 of greatest records in of baseball history @ 114–48. were, however, in contention wildcard spot until final week.

before 1999 season, blue jays traded clemens yankees starting pitcher david wells, second baseman homer bush , relief pitcher graeme lloyd. fired manager tim johnson during spring training after lied several things (including killing people in vietnam war) motivate players. blue jays had been willing stand johnson. blizzard of questions credibility during spring training, however, led ash fire him less month before opening day. johnson replaced jim fregosi, managed phillies when lost blue jays in 1993 world series. offence picked in 1999, pitching suffered without clemens, blue jays finished @ 84–78, in third place. after 1999 season, blue jays original mascot 20 years, bj birdy, replaced duo named ace , diamond.

on november 8, 1999, toronto traded star outfielder shawn green los angeles dodgers left-handed relief pitcher pedro borbón , right-fielder raúl mondesí. green had told jays not re-signing when contract @ end of year (he wished play closer home in southern california).

2000 proved similar season, jays had 83–79 record, out of wild card race slim 4½ games of three-time defending world series champion yankees in al east, first time since 1993 had contended division. carlos delgado had stellar year, hitting .344 41 home runs, 57 doubles, 137 rbi, 123 walks , 115 runs. in addition, 6 other players hit 20 or more home runs, outstanding feat.

2000–01

on september 1, 2000, rogers communications inc. purchased 80% of baseball club $160 million, interbrew (later inbev) maintaining 20% interest , canadian imperial bank of commerce relinquishing 10% share. rogers acquired 20% owned interbrew , has full ownership of team.

the 2001 season marked 25th anniversary of franchise s inception. buck martinez, former catcher , broadcast announcer blue jays, took on manager before season began. blue jays had disappointing season, team fell under .500, finishing @ 80–82, mediocre pitching , hitting. delgado led team again 39 home runs , 102 rbi. after 2001 season ended, blue jays fired gord ash, ending seven-year tenure general manager.

j. p. ricciardi, director of player development under oakland athletics general manager billy beane, named blue jays general manager , expected slash payroll immediately, stem tide of red ink. during off-season, team traded or let go several popular players, including alex gonzalez, paul quantrill, brad fullmer , closer billy koch let talented youngsters such eric hinske , felipe lópez chance develop major leaguers.