Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Toronto
Blue Jays. This is my list of the
top 5 greatest players for the Blue Jays in their history (the franchise
started in 1977). The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of
team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972 (or in the Blue Jays case in
their history). Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical
leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple
players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments
for each player only for the team they are selected.
Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Blue Jays players in
their history.
5. Jose Bautista (2008-2017)- 2-time home run leader. 2nd
all-time Blue Jays home run leader.
4. Dave Stieb (1979-1992)- Second winningest pitcher in the
1980s. Winningest pitcher in Blue Jay history.
3. Carlos Delgado (1993-2004)- 8 straight seasons with 30 or
more home runs. Led the league in home runs and finished in top 5 MVP voting
twice. All-time home run leader in Blue Jays history.
2. Roberto Alomar (1991-1995)- 5-time gold glove winner.
2-time World Champion.
1. Roy Halladay (1998-2009)- Cy Young award winner. 4 time
top 5 finisher in Cy Young award voting.
Honorable mention to Jesse Barfield, Jimmy Key, Edwin
Encarnacion, George Bell and John Olerud.
Notes. Fred McGriff and Josh Donaldson were great Blue Jays but
did not play a full 5 seasons with the team. This was a tricky list to put
together. There were a lot of similar type players to choose from. Bautista was
an important part of the Jays resurgence in the early 2010s and leading them
back to the postseason. Stieb was a 7 time All Star who was key to the Blue
Jays success in the 80s. Although he only played 5 years, Alomar was one of the
most important players on the 2 championship teams in the early 90s and is a
Hall of Famer. Halladay is another Hall of Famer who was one of the most
dominant pitchers of his time.
Next up in the 5 in 50 series I start the AL Central with
the Cleveland Indians.
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