Thank you, Toronto—by Jose Bautista

[jaymeister15]

Awesome piece from Jose


https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/jose-bautista-braves-blue-jays-thank-you-toronto

With me and Toronto, it’s always felt like there is this … almost deeper understanding there. We just get each other — it’s like we exist on this shared wavelength together.

One thing that not a lot of people know is how big of a deal the Blue Jays have been over the years in the Dominican community. The Jays were one of the very first franchises to really invest in the DR, and to open up a baseball academy there. And because of that — not to mention the fact that they were putting up those World Series banners — they became the favorite team of a lot of Dominican people. And it seems like there’s just always been this unique chemistry between the city and its Dominican players: from George Bell, to Tony Fernández, to Juan Guzmán, to me and Edwin, to even looking into the future with Vlad Guerrero Jr. — man, it’s this special thing.

Toronto is a special place.

I know a lot of guys, they work extremely hard for their entire careers, and they never get to sniff the playoffs, or even a pennant race. And I’m just so grateful — to have gotten to go on that journey with all of you. We really did feel like we were representing all of Canada during those playoff runs. And it meant everything to us. We might not have won the whole thing … but it’s like I said: It felt like we put Toronto Baseball back where it belongs. It felt like we sent out this big reminder to the world, after all these years, to not sleep on the Blue Jays — to not sleep on this city.

Because this city, man — this city can ball its heart out.

[North_of_Border]

Will go down as one of the Greats in Blue Jays history. A legend on the level of the best ever. I see him getting his name on the 5th deck. Possibly getting a role like Roberto Alomar has with the franchise.


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[sule]

Will go down as one of the Greats in Blue Jays history. A legend on the level of the best ever. I see him getting his name on the 5th deck. Possibly getting a role like Roberto Alomar has with the franchise.


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I doubt it as long as this regime is in place. They don't seem very intent on acknowledging much about past Jays glory.

[North_of_Border]

Will go down as one of the Greats in Blue Jays history. A legend on the level of the best ever. I see him getting his name on the 5th deck. Possibly getting a role like Roberto Alomar has with the franchise.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

I doubt it as long as this regime is in place. They don't seem very intent on acknowledging much about past Jays glory.

Jose was the face of the Jays when they finally turned things around after 20 years of failure. He is also possibly the Best Hitter in Jays history. Even more he is one of the most Popular Jays in history. Rogers will want to capitalize on that. The bat flip is enough to give him legend status.

[sule]

Will go down as one of the Greats in Blue Jays history. A legend on the level of the best ever. I see him getting his name on the 5th deck. Possibly getting a role like Roberto Alomar has with the franchise.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

I doubt it as long as this regime is in place. They don't seem very intent on acknowledging much about past Jays glory.

Jose was the face of the Jays when they finally turned things around after 20 years of failure. He is also possibly the Best Hitter in Jays history. Even more he is one of the most Popular Jays in history. Rogers will want to capitalize on that. The bat flip is enough to give him legend status.

I don't disagree. I just don't believe Shapiro and Atkins will give him his just dues until they are pressured to do so.