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I know this is the Raptors forum not the Jays forum which doesn't have much traffic, but one of the greatest Jays has passed away. Respect to a Toronto sports legend

what? no way man...he was always so silky smooth on the field, made it look effortless.

This news is so sad. He was such a big part of my childhood along with Carlos Delgado, Shannon Stewart, Jose Cruz and Shawn Green.

RIP Legend

RIP!

one of the greatest jays ever

RIP

This hurts. Still have my Rawlings Tony Fernandez signature glove, my first big boy glove. RIP.

RIP. My 1st ever favourite Blue Jay. Used to copy his batting stance when I first started to like baseball in '86.

One of my fave jays from the b2b teams, and one of the greatest walk-up songs of all time as well: "don't be afraid to stand alone - in God's eyes you're a hero". You certainly are, Tony. Rest in Peace.

Que descances en paz, y que dios te protege mi hermano Dominicano.

Sad news. RIP.

R.I.P Tony Fernandez, you were truly a pleasure to watch during my childhood days and you were the body when it came to defense and being a perennial switch hitter. When the world turned their back on you in 97, and forgot you were the reason that Cleveland even made it to the World Series in 97 in the first place, you always knew that you had a home in Toronto to come back to. You're gone but not forgotten. As you will always be remembered in the Blue Jays appreciation section. Wherever you are, rest up brother!

My favourite memories of him were certainly in the 1980s, when his defensive play was phenomenal. His slingshot throws from shortstop when he first camp were just awesome to watch for me as a younger kid (10 to 13). Many a practice would have me and a few others trying to replicate, and failing miserably, at those throws.

He had some great offensive years when he started for A SS, and a few more average /fairly good ones. As his defence regressed as he got older, he then became a very professional hitter which extended his career. Made for a very interesting career.

JN wrote:My favourite memories of him were certainly in the 1980s, when his defensive play was phenomenal. His slingshot throws from shortstop when he first camp were just awesome to watch for me as a younger kid (10 to 13). Many a practice would have me and a few others trying to replicate, and failing miserably, at those throws.

There was no hole with Tony, only a dent.

Damn. Did not see this one coming.

Tony Fernandez. That Jays cap sitting atop that high top fade. Running to first base trying to beat the throw and the helmet would always come off.

will wrote:Damn. Did not see this one coming.

Tony Fernandez. That Jays cap sitting atop that high top fade. Running to first base trying to beat the throw and the helmet would always come off.

So true, even as a 39 year old Blue Jay this was still the case.

Damn, he was a great player. Everyone on those Championship rosters will be Toronto sports legends.

Wow this one shocked me. What a player to watch.

I didnt catch him in the early days but definetly enjoyed watching him in the late 90s. You just knew he was gonna hit the ball.

RIP

Hands down one of my most favourite Jays. I used to try and emulate his swing when I played softball. Loved playing the infield because of him

That routine he had in the batter's box. So precise, so delicate...every single time he went up to bat.

great player. he will be remembered.