1977 Toronto Blue Jays season
Encyclopedia
The 1977 Toronto Blue Jays
season was the first year of Major League Baseball
played by the Toronto
-based expansion franchise
. The Blue Jays finished 7th in the American League East
with a record of 54 wins and 107 losses.
was held in Dunedin, Florida
. In their first pre-season game on March 11, the Jays beat the New York Mets
by a score of 3-1. The first two times that they played the Montreal Expos
, the Jays were triumphant as well. Perhaps the highlight of spring training was a match against the Cincinnati Reds
. The Blue Jays defeated the defending World Series champions as the Reds were missing only one regular starter from their lineup. After spring training, the Blue Jays 25-man roster was set. Ron Fairly
, who had previously played for the Montreal Expos
, was one of the most recognizable players on the nascent team. The only marquee name was Bill Singer
. Pat Gillick
had a deal with the New York Yankees
to trade Singer for a promising, young left-hander named Ron Guidry
. Blue Jays president Peter Bavasi
vetoed the deal as Singer was part of his plan to market and promote the team.
. Notables in attendance that day included Paul Godfrey
, Toronto mayor David Crombie, legendary broadcaster Foster Hewitt
, and country singer Anne Murray
. Besides the snow that adorned the field, there were hundreds of fans who missed the first pitch due to many traffic jams that day.
The umpires for the game included crew chief Nestor Chylak
, Joe Brinkman
, Rich Garcia
, and 27-year old Steve Palermo
, who was making his major league debut. The game was broadcast on the CBC
with Don Chevrier and New York Yankee legend Whitey Ford
providing the commentary. The Blue Jays would only appear on the CBC sixteen times that first season.
As the snow was squeegeed off the field, the 48th Highlanders marched onto the field to perform the Star Spangled Banner. Country music star Murray arrived to sing O Canada
while wearing a red parka. The fans chanted "We want beer", because Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium was the only stadium in the major leagues to not serve beer.
Bill Singer
took to the mound and threw the first pitch in Toronto Blue Jays history against Ralph Garr
of the White Sox. The pitch was a high fastball called for a strike. From an 0-2 count, Garr battled back to get the count at 3-2, and then he drew a walk. Afterwards, Garr stole second base, and advanced to third base because Blue Jays catcher Rick Cerone
's throw went into center field. The next batter was shortstop Alan Bannister
who hit a fly ball for the first out of the game. Jorge Orta
batted third and he hit a sacrifice fly which scored Garr, the first run at Exhibition Stadium. Richie Zisk
followed and hit the first home run in the history of the stadium. The score was now 2-0 in favour of the White Sox.
Blue Jays manager Roy Hartsfield
went to the mound to talk to Singer. As Hartsfield went to the mound, reliever Jerry Johnson
started warming up in the bullpen. Singer was able to compose himself and he got Eric Soderholm
to hit into a fielder's choice
to end the inning.
John Scott
was the first Blue Jay to take an at bat
for the team. He faced White Sox pitcher Ken Brett
, taking a strike on the first pitch thrown to him. He struck out, as did the next Jays batter, Héctor Torres
.
The third Blue Jays batter in the game was Doug Ault
, a 27 year old career minor leaguer with only nine games experience in the major leagues who had been the Jays' sixteenth pick in the expansion draft. On a 1-1 pitch, Ault hit the first home run in Blue Jays history. The score was now 2-1 in favour of Chicago.
After the second inning it was 4-1 for Chicago. In the bottom of the second, Gary Woods
bunted for a single, stole second, and scored on a hit by Pedro García
.
In the third inning, Torres had a single and Ault was back at bat. With the count 1-1, Ault hit his second home run down the right field line, and the game was tied at 4. Heading into the fourth inning, Toronto got the lead as Dave McKay singled in García from second base.
Singer was still in the game in the top of the fifth inning. Singer struck out Chet Lemon
, but Brian Downing
and Ralph Garr
singled off him. Hartsfield came out to the mound and pulled Singer out of the game. Singer left to a standing ovation as Jerry Johnson entered the game. Johnson got the final two outs of the fifth inning.
Al Woods
came up to pinch hit for Steve Bowling
in the bottom of the fifth inning. With Otto Vélez
on the basepads, Woods homered to right field. The score was 7-4 in favour of the Jays. The Jays had scored in every inning of the game.
The Sox scored a run in the sixth inning and it was 7-5. Pete Vuckovich
started the eighth inning. He struck out two batters, gave up a walk and a single, but he got a ground ball to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Ault returned to the plate and singled in another run to make the score 8-5. Another run was scored on a double play to make the score 9-5 in favour of the Jays.
In the top of the ninth inning, Vuckovich retired Jorge Orta
on a ground ball. Vuckovich then struck out Richie Zisk
. For the day, Zisk had four hits in five at bats. With one out to go for the win, Jim Spencer
hit a line drive to left field but Scott dropped the ball for a two-base error. Oscar Gamble
was up at the plate and he grounded out to the shortstop. The Jays won their first game in franchise history. Jerry Johnson picked up the win while Vuckovich got the save.
The heroes of opening day would not have a future with the Jays. Jerry Johnson would end up in Hollywood working as a stuntman. At the 1977 Winter Meetings, the Jays traded Vuckovich to the St. Louis Cardinals
in exchange for Tom Underwood
. Doug Ault was back in the minors in 1979.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
season was the first year of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
played by the Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
-based expansion franchise
Expansion team
An expansion team is a brand new team in a sports league. The term is most commonly used in reference to the North American major professional sports leagues, but is applied to sports leagues worldwide that use a closed franchise system of league membership. The term comes from the expansion of the...
. The Blue Jays finished 7th in the American League East
American League East
The American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division...
with a record of 54 wins and 107 losses.
Offseason
- October 21, 1976: The Blue Jays traded a player to be named later to the Chicago White Sox for Phil RoofPhil RoofPhillip Anthony Roof is an American former professional baseball player, coach and minor league manager. He played for 15 seasons as a catcher in Major League Baseball in and from to , most notably for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics and the Minnesota Twins...
. The Blue Jays completed the deal by sending Larry Anderson to the White Sox on January 5, 1977. - November 5, 1976: 1976 Major League Baseball expansion draft
- Rico CartyRico CartyRicardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
was drafted by the Blue Jays from the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
with the 10th pick. - Jim MasonJim Mason (baseball)James Percy Mason , is a former Major League Baseball shortstop, who played nine seasons in the major leagues, from 1971–1979, for the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Montreal Expos.Mason was a member of the Yankees during the 1976 World Series against...
was drafted by the Blue Jays from the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
with the 30th pick.
- Rico Carty
- November 5, 1976: Al FitzmorrisAl FitzmorrisAlan James Fitzmorris , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1969 to 1978.-Drafts:...
was traded by the Blue Jays to the Cleveland Indians for Alan AshbyAlan AshbyAlan Dean Ashby is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros...
and Doug HowardDoug HowardDouglas Lynn Howard is a former professional baseball player who played five seasons for the California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball....
. - November 5, 1976: Chuck HartensteinChuck HartensteinCharles Oscar Hartenstein [Twiggy] is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for five different teams between the and seasons. Listed at 5' 11", 165 lb., Hartenstein batted and threw right-handed...
was purchased by the Blue Jays from the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. - December 6, 1976: Rico Carty was traded by the Blue Jays to the Cleveland Indians for Rick CeroneRick CeroneRichard Aldo Cerone from Seton Hall University is a former Major League Baseball player from 1975 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos...
and John LowensteinJohn LowensteinJohn Lee Lowenstein , is a former professional baseball player who played Major League Baseball primarily as an outfielder from to...
. - February 17, 1977: Dave Roberts was traded by the Blue Jays to the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Jerry JohnsonJerry Johnson (baseball)Jerry Michael Johnson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from through . He batted and threw right-handed.-Third baseman:Johnson was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent third baseman in...
. - February 24, 1977: Mike Weathers (minors) was traded by the Blue Jays to the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
for Ron FairlyRon FairlyRonald Ray Fairly is a former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster. He either played in or broadcast over 7,000 major league games from through .-College career:...
. - March 29, 1977: John LowensteinJohn LowensteinJohn Lee Lowenstein , is a former professional baseball player who played Major League Baseball primarily as an outfielder from to...
was traded by the Blue Jays to the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
for Héctor TorresHéctor TorresHéctor Epitacio Torres Marroquin is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played all or part of nine seasons in the majors, between and , for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays...
.
Spring training
The Blue Jays spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
was held in Dunedin, Florida
Dunedin, Florida
Dunedin is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The population was 35,691 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 36,632...
. In their first pre-season game on March 11, the Jays beat the New York Mets
1977 New York Mets season
The 1977 New York Mets season was the 16th regular season for the Mets, who played home games at Shea Stadium. Initially led by manager Joe Frazier followed by Joe Torre, the team finished in last place for the first time since 1967, and for the first time since divisional play was introduced in...
by a score of 3-1. The first two times that they played the Montreal Expos
1977 Montreal Expos season
The 1969 Montreal Expos season was a season in American baseball. The team finished fifth in the National League East with a record of 73-87, 26 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies...
, the Jays were triumphant as well. Perhaps the highlight of spring training was a match against the Cincinnati Reds
1977 Cincinnati Reds season
The Cincinnati Reds season was a season in American baseball. The team finished in second place in the National League West, with a record of 88-74, 10 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers...
. The Blue Jays defeated the defending World Series champions as the Reds were missing only one regular starter from their lineup. After spring training, the Blue Jays 25-man roster was set. Ron Fairly
Ron Fairly
Ronald Ray Fairly is a former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster. He either played in or broadcast over 7,000 major league games from through .-College career:...
, who had previously played for the Montreal Expos
Montreal Expos
The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
, was one of the most recognizable players on the nascent team. The only marquee name was Bill Singer
Bill Singer
William Robert Singer is a former baseball pitcher with a 14-year career from 1964 to 1977. He played primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels , spending his final two seasons with the Texas Rangers , Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays .-Los Angeles Dodgers:Singer made...
. Pat Gillick
Pat Gillick
Lawrence Patrick David Gillick is a retired American professional baseball executive. He was the general manager of four Major League Baseball teams, and guided two teams to three World Series championships in his career: in 1992 and 1993 titles with the Toronto Blue Jays, and a 2008 title with...
had a deal with the New York Yankees
1977 New York Yankees season
The 1977 New York Yankees season was the 75th season for the Yankees in New York and the 77th season overall for the franchise. It culminated in the 21st World Series championship in franchise history, and its first under the ownership of George Steinbrenner...
to trade Singer for a promising, young left-hander named Ron Guidry
Ron Guidry
Ronald Ames Guidry , nicknamed "Louisiana Lightning" and "Gator", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 14-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
. Blue Jays president Peter Bavasi
Peter Bavasi
Peter Bavasi was the farm director for the US baseball team the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1972. He then replaced his father, Buzzie Bavasi as General Manager of the Padres from 1973 to 1976. Peter later went on to become the first GM of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. He was president of the...
vetoed the deal as Singer was part of his plan to market and promote the team.
The first game
On April 7, 1977, 44,649 fans were in attendance to watch the first game in Blue Jays history as the Blue Jays played the Chicago White Sox1977 Chicago White Sox season
The Chicago White Sox season was a season in American baseball. The team finished third in the American League West, 12 games behind the Kansas City Royals.- Offseason :...
. Notables in attendance that day included Paul Godfrey
Paul Godfrey
Paul Victor Godfrey, CM, OOnt is a businessman and former Canadian politician. During his career, Godfrey was a North York alderman, Chairman of Metro Toronto, President of the Toronto Sun and head of the Toronto Blue Jays. He was instrumental in bringing the Toronto Blue Jays to Toronto and has...
, Toronto mayor David Crombie, legendary broadcaster Foster Hewitt
Foster Hewitt
Foster William Hewitt, OC was a Canadian radio broadcaster most famous for his play-by-play calls for Hockey Night in Canada. He was the son of W. A. Hewitt, and the father of Bill Hewitt.-Early life and career:...
, and country singer Anne Murray
Anne Murray
Morna Anne Murray CC, ONS is a Canadian singer in pop, country and adult contemporary styles whose albums have sold over 54 million copies....
. Besides the snow that adorned the field, there were hundreds of fans who missed the first pitch due to many traffic jams that day.
The umpires for the game included crew chief Nestor Chylak
Nestor Chylak
Nestor George Chylak, Jr. was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1954 to 1978.He was born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania of Ukrainian descent, and attended the University of Scranton, where he studied engineering...
, Joe Brinkman
Joe Brinkman
Joseph Norbert Brinkman is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1973 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues from 2000 until his retirement during the 2006 season....
, Rich Garcia
Rich Garcia
Richard Raul Garcia is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1975 to 1999...
, and 27-year old Steve Palermo
Steve Palermo
Stephen Michael Palermo is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1977 to 1991. His field career ended when he was shot in the back following his intervention in an altercation outside Campisi's, a Dallas Italian restaurant...
, who was making his major league debut. The game was broadcast on the CBC
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster...
with Don Chevrier and New York Yankee legend Whitey Ford
Whitey Ford
Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
providing the commentary. The Blue Jays would only appear on the CBC sixteen times that first season.
As the snow was squeegeed off the field, the 48th Highlanders marched onto the field to perform the Star Spangled Banner. Country music star Murray arrived to sing O Canada
O Canada
It has been noted that the opening theme of "O Canada" bears a strong resemblance to the "Marsch der Priester" , from the opera Die Zauberflöte , composed in 1791 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and that Lavallée's melody was inspired by Mozart's tune...
while wearing a red parka. The fans chanted "We want beer", because Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium was the only stadium in the major leagues to not serve beer.
Bill Singer
Bill Singer
William Robert Singer is a former baseball pitcher with a 14-year career from 1964 to 1977. He played primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels , spending his final two seasons with the Texas Rangers , Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays .-Los Angeles Dodgers:Singer made...
took to the mound and threw the first pitch in Toronto Blue Jays history against Ralph Garr
Ralph Garr
Ralph Allen Garr is a former Major League Baseball player who played outfield for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and California Angels. He batted left-handed and threw right...
of the White Sox. The pitch was a high fastball called for a strike. From an 0-2 count, Garr battled back to get the count at 3-2, and then he drew a walk. Afterwards, Garr stole second base, and advanced to third base because Blue Jays catcher Rick Cerone
Rick Cerone
Richard Aldo Cerone from Seton Hall University is a former Major League Baseball player from 1975 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos...
's throw went into center field. The next batter was shortstop Alan Bannister
Alan Bannister
Alan Bannister is a retired professional baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Houston Astros and Texas Rangers...
who hit a fly ball for the first out of the game. Jorge Orta
Jorge Orta
Jorge Orta Núñez is a retired professional baseball player.He made his debut with the Chicago White Sox on April 15, 1972. Through the 1970s, he played usually second baseman but also third baseman and also some outfield...
batted third and he hit a sacrifice fly which scored Garr, the first run at Exhibition Stadium. Richie Zisk
Richie Zisk
Richard Walter Zisk is a retired Major League Baseball player currently in charge of pro scouting in Florida for the Chicago Cubs.-Pittsburgh Pirates:...
followed and hit the first home run in the history of the stadium. The score was now 2-0 in favour of the White Sox.
Blue Jays manager Roy Hartsfield
Roy Hartsfield
Roy Thomas Hartsfield was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball; his MLB playing and managing careers each lasted three years. Hartsfield played his entire major-league career with the Boston Braves from 1950 to 1952. He was then traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers for outfielder Andy...
went to the mound to talk to Singer. As Hartsfield went to the mound, reliever Jerry Johnson
Jerry Johnson (baseball)
Jerry Michael Johnson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from through . He batted and threw right-handed.-Third baseman:Johnson was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent third baseman in...
started warming up in the bullpen. Singer was able to compose himself and he got Eric Soderholm
Eric Soderholm
Eric Thane Soderholm is a former Major League Baseball third baseman who played for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees from 1971 to 1980...
to hit into a fielder's choice
Fielder's choice
In baseball, fielder's choice is a term used to refer to a variety of plays involving an offensive player reaching a base due to the defense's attempt to put out another baserunner, or the defensive team's indifference to his advance...
to end the inning.
John Scott
John Scott (baseball)
John Henry Scott is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for three seasons. He played with the San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1975 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977, playing in 118 career games....
was the first Blue Jay to take an at bat
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
for the team. He faced White Sox pitcher Ken Brett
Ken Brett
Kenneth Alven Brett was a Major League Baseball pitcher and the second of four Brett brothers who played professional baseball, the most notable being the youngest, George Brett.Ken played for 10 teams in his 14-year MLB career.Born in Brooklyn, Ken Brett grew up in southern California and was an...
, taking a strike on the first pitch thrown to him. He struck out, as did the next Jays batter, Héctor Torres
Héctor Torres
Héctor Epitacio Torres Marroquin is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played all or part of nine seasons in the majors, between and , for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays...
.
The third Blue Jays batter in the game was Doug Ault
Doug Ault
Douglas Reagan Ault was a Major League Baseball first baseman/designated hitter who played for the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays . He batted right-handed and threw left-handed....
, a 27 year old career minor leaguer with only nine games experience in the major leagues who had been the Jays' sixteenth pick in the expansion draft. On a 1-1 pitch, Ault hit the first home run in Blue Jays history. The score was now 2-1 in favour of Chicago.
After the second inning it was 4-1 for Chicago. In the bottom of the second, Gary Woods
Gary Woods
Gary Lee Woods is a retired professional baseball outfielder. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1976 and 1985, for the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and Oakland Athletics....
bunted for a single, stole second, and scored on a hit by Pedro García
Pedro García (baseball)
Pedro Modesto García was a former Major League Baseball second baseman who played primarily for the Milwaukee Brewers.In 1973, at age 23, García played his first big-league game for the Brewers...
.
In the third inning, Torres had a single and Ault was back at bat. With the count 1-1, Ault hit his second home run down the right field line, and the game was tied at 4. Heading into the fourth inning, Toronto got the lead as Dave McKay singled in García from second base.
Singer was still in the game in the top of the fifth inning. Singer struck out Chet Lemon
Chet Lemon
Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
, but Brian Downing
Brian Downing
Brian Jay Downing is a former professional baseball player who had a 20-year MLB career with the Chicago White Sox, California Angels and Texas Rangers.- Chicago Years :...
and Ralph Garr
Ralph Garr
Ralph Allen Garr is a former Major League Baseball player who played outfield for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and California Angels. He batted left-handed and threw right...
singled off him. Hartsfield came out to the mound and pulled Singer out of the game. Singer left to a standing ovation as Jerry Johnson entered the game. Johnson got the final two outs of the fifth inning.
Al Woods
Alvis Woods
Alvis "Al" Woods is a former left fielder who played in Major League Baseball between and . He batted and threw left-handed....
came up to pinch hit for Steve Bowling
Steve Bowling
Stephen Shaddon Bowling is a former Major League Baseball player. Bowling played for the Milwaukee Brewers in and the Toronto Blue Jays in . He batted and threw right-handed....
in the bottom of the fifth inning. With Otto Vélez
Otto Vélez
Otoniel "Otto" Vélez Franceschi was a Major League Baseball outfielder from to . He was nicknamed "The Swatto"....
on the basepads, Woods homered to right field. The score was 7-4 in favour of the Jays. The Jays had scored in every inning of the game.
The Sox scored a run in the sixth inning and it was 7-5. Pete Vuckovich
Pete Vuckovich
Peter Dennis Vuckovich is a retired American starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who came across as an intimidating presence on the mound with his 6'4" 220 lb frame and Fu Manchu moustache. Vuckovich was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1974...
started the eighth inning. He struck out two batters, gave up a walk and a single, but he got a ground ball to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Ault returned to the plate and singled in another run to make the score 8-5. Another run was scored on a double play to make the score 9-5 in favour of the Jays.
In the top of the ninth inning, Vuckovich retired Jorge Orta
Jorge Orta
Jorge Orta Núñez is a retired professional baseball player.He made his debut with the Chicago White Sox on April 15, 1972. Through the 1970s, he played usually second baseman but also third baseman and also some outfield...
on a ground ball. Vuckovich then struck out Richie Zisk
Richie Zisk
Richard Walter Zisk is a retired Major League Baseball player currently in charge of pro scouting in Florida for the Chicago Cubs.-Pittsburgh Pirates:...
. For the day, Zisk had four hits in five at bats. With one out to go for the win, Jim Spencer
Jim Spencer
James Lloyd Spencer was a Major League Baseball first baseman. Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the left-handed Spencer was recognized for his excellent fielding ability, but also served in later years as a designated hitter....
hit a line drive to left field but Scott dropped the ball for a two-base error. Oscar Gamble
Oscar Gamble
Oscar Charles Gamble is a former outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball. He played for 17 seasons, from 1969 to 1985, on seven different teams: the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees on two separate occasions, as well as the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland...
was up at the plate and he grounded out to the shortstop. The Jays won their first game in franchise history. Jerry Johnson picked up the win while Vuckovich got the save.
The heroes of opening day would not have a future with the Jays. Jerry Johnson would end up in Hollywood working as a stuntman. At the 1977 Winter Meetings, the Jays traded Vuckovich to the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in exchange for Tom Underwood
Tom Underwood
Thomas Gerald Underwood was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies , St...
. Doug Ault was back in the minors in 1979.
Linescore
April 7, Exhibition Stadium, Toronto, Ontario| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 0 |
| Toronto | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 16 | 1 |
| W: Jerry Johnson (1-0) L: Ken Brett Ken Brett Kenneth Alven Brett was a Major League Baseball pitcher and the second of four Brett brothers who played professional baseball, the most notable being the youngest, George Brett.Ken played for 10 teams in his 14-year MLB career.Born in Brooklyn, Ken Brett grew up in southern California and was an... (0-1) |
||||||||||||
| HRs: Doug Ault (2), Alvis Woods (1), Richie Zisk (1) | ||||||||||||
Batting
| Chicago White Sox | AB | R | H | RBI | Toronto Blue Jays | AB | R | H | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garr Ralph Garr Ralph Allen Garr is a former Major League Baseball player who played outfield for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and California Angels. He batted left-handed and threw right... , lf |
5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | Scott John Scott (baseball) John Henry Scott is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for three seasons. He played with the San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1975 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977, playing in 118 career games.... , lf |
5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Bannister Alan Bannister Alan Bannister is a retired professional baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Houston Astros and Texas Rangers... , ss |
5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Torres Héctor Torres Héctor Epitacio Torres Marroquin is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played all or part of nine seasons in the majors, between and , for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays... , ss |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Nyman Nyls Nyman Nyls Wallace Rex Nyman is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of four seasons with the Chicago White Sox from until .... , ph |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Mason Jim Mason (baseball) James Percy Mason , is a former Major League Baseball shortstop, who played nine seasons in the major leagues, from 1971–1979, for the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Montreal Expos.Mason was a member of the Yankees during the 1976 World Series against... , ph/ss |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Nordbrook Tim Nordbrook Timothy Charles Nordbrook is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball... , ss |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ault Doug Ault Douglas Reagan Ault was a Major League Baseball first baseman/designated hitter who played for the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays . He batted right-handed and threw left-handed.... , 1b |
4 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Orta Jorge Orta Jorge Orta Núñez is a retired professional baseball player.He made his debut with the Chicago White Sox on April 15, 1972. Through the 1970s, he played usually second baseman but also third baseman and also some outfield... , 2b |
4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Vélez Otto Vélez Otoniel "Otto" Vélez Franceschi was a Major League Baseball outfielder from to . He was nicknamed "The Swatto".... , dh |
4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Zisk Richie Zisk Richard Walter Zisk is a retired Major League Baseball player currently in charge of pro scouting in Florida for the Chicago Cubs.-Pittsburgh Pirates:... , rf |
6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | G. Woods Gary Woods Gary Lee Woods is a retired professional baseball outfielder. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1976 and 1985, for the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and Oakland Athletics.... , cf |
5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Spencer Jim Spencer James Lloyd Spencer was a Major League Baseball first baseman. Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the left-handed Spencer was recognized for his excellent fielding ability, but also served in later years as a designated hitter.... , 1b |
6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Bowling Steve Bowling Stephen Shaddon Bowling is a former Major League Baseball player. Bowling played for the Milwaukee Brewers in and the Toronto Blue Jays in . He batted and threw right-handed.... , rf |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gamble Oscar Gamble Oscar Charles Gamble is a former outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball. He played for 17 seasons, from 1969 to 1985, on seven different teams: the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees on two separate occasions, as well as the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland... , dh |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | A. Woods Alvis Woods Alvis "Al" Woods is a former left fielder who played in Major League Baseball between and . He batted and threw left-handed.... , ph, rf |
3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Soderholm Eric Soderholm Eric Thane Soderholm is a former Major League Baseball third baseman who played for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees from 1971 to 1980... , 3b |
5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | García Pedro García (baseball) Pedro Modesto García was a former Major League Baseball second baseman who played primarily for the Milwaukee Brewers.In 1973, at age 23, García played his first big-league game for the Brewers... , 2b |
4 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Lemon Chet Lemon Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:... , cf |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | McKay, 3b | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Downing Brian Downing Brian Jay Downing is a former professional baseball player who had a 20-year MLB career with the Chicago White Sox, California Angels and Texas Rangers.- Chicago Years :... , c |
4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Cerone Rick Cerone Richard Aldo Cerone from Seton Hall University is a former Major League Baseball player from 1975 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos... , c |
4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Totals | 43 | 5 | 15 | 5 | Totals | 38 | 9 | 16 | 8 |
Pitching
| Chicago White Sox | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brett Ken Brett Kenneth Alven Brett was a Major League Baseball pitcher and the second of four Brett brothers who played professional baseball, the most notable being the youngest, George Brett.Ken played for 10 teams in his 14-year MLB career.Born in Brooklyn, Ken Brett grew up in southern California and was an... , L (0-1) |
3.0 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Barrios Francisco Barrios Francisco Javier Barrios was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox . Barrios batted and threw right-handed... |
3.0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Hamilton Dave Hamilton (baseball) David Edward Hamilton is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who won three World Series championships as a member of the Oakland Athletics in the early 1970s.-Oakland A's:... |
1.0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| LaGrow Lerrin LaGrow Lerrin Harris LaGrow was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played 10 seasons in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers , St... |
1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals | 8.0 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 7 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singer Bill Singer William Robert Singer is a former baseball pitcher with a 14-year career from 1964 to 1977. He played primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels , spending his final two seasons with the Texas Rangers , Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays .-Los Angeles Dodgers:Singer made... |
4.1 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Johnson Jerry Johnson (baseball) Jerry Michael Johnson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from through . He batted and threw right-handed.-Third baseman:Johnson was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent third baseman in... W (1-0) |
2.2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Vuckovich Pete Vuckovich Peter Dennis Vuckovich is a retired American starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who came across as an intimidating presence on the mound with his 6'4" 220 lb frame and Fu Manchu moustache. Vuckovich was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1974... , SV (1) |
2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Totals | 9.0 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 9 |
Other highlights
- June 27: Yankees starter Ron GuidryRon GuidryRonald Ames Guidry , nicknamed "Louisiana Lightning" and "Gator", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 14-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
was carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning when he walked the bases loaded, then gave up a grand slam to light hitting Héctor TorresHéctor TorresHéctor Epitacio Torres Marroquin is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played all or part of nine seasons in the majors, between and , for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays...
. - August 9: The Jays defeated the Minnesota Twins1977 Minnesota Twins seasonThe 1977 Minnesota Twins season was a season in American baseball. The team finished 84-77, fourth in the American League West.- Regular season :...
6-2 in front of a home crowd, breaking the old expansion team first-year attendance record. Their record setting grand total was 1,701,052. - September 10: Roy HowellRoy HowellRoy Lee Howell , is a former professional baseball player who played third base in Major League Baseball from 1974-1984...
drove in a franchise record 9 runs as the Jays pound the New York Yankees 19-3, giving them their worst home beating in over 50 years. Howell registered 454 career RBIs in an eleven-year career that began with Texas in 1974 and ended in Milwaukee. - September 15: The Blue Jays were awarded a 9-0 forfeit win over Baltimore Orioles1977 Baltimore Orioles seasonThe Baltimore Orioles season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Orioles finishing second in the American League East with a record of 97 wins and 64 losses.- Offseason :* November 1, 1976: Darryl Cias was released by the Orioles....
, as Orioles' manager Earl WeaverEarl WeaverEarl Sidney Weaver is a former Major League Baseball manager. He spent his entire 17-year managerial career with the Baltimore Orioles . Weaver was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.-Playing career:After playing for Beaumont High School in St...
removed the team from field in the fifth inning.
Lows
- July 4: The Boston Red Sox1977 Boston Red Sox seasonThe Boston Red Sox season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Red Sox finishing second in the American League East with a record of 97 wins and 64 losses.- Regular season :...
set a major league record by hitting seven solo home runs off Blue Jay pitching. - The team finished 45.5 games out of first, 9.5 games worse than expansion cousins Seattle.
Notable transactions
- April 14, 1977: Paul HodgsonPaul Hodgson (baseball)Paul Joseph Dennis Hodgson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. After being signed on his 17th birthday by the Toronto Blue Jays as an amateur free agent in , he played his entire career in their organization...
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Blue Jays. - May 9, 1977: Steve HarganSteve HarganSteven Lowell Hargan , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965–1972 and 1974-1977.-External links:...
and Jim Mason were traded by the Blue Jays to the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
for Roy HowellRoy HowellRoy Lee Howell , is a former professional baseball player who played third base in Major League Baseball from 1974-1984...
. - June 7, 1977: Future NBA star Danny AingeDanny AingeDaniel Ray "Danny" Ainge is an American basketball manager and retired professional basketball and baseball player, currently serving as President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics....
was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 15th round of the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft1977 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1977 Major League Baseball draft.- Background :The White Sox raised some brows when they passed on right-handed pitcher Bill Gullickson, a native of nearby Orland Park, IL, and selected outfielder Harold Baines as the number one...
.
Roster
| 1977 Toronto Blue Jays | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Game log
| 1977 Game Log | |
|---|---|
|
|
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; Avg = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases| Pos | Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | Avg | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 124 | 396 | 25 | 83 | 16 | 3 | .210 | 2 | 29 | 0 | |
| 1B | 129 | 445 | 44 | 109 | 22 | 3 | .245 | 11 | 64 | 4 | |
| 2B | 72 | 290 | 37 | 75 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 28 | .259 | 5 | |
| 3B | 96 | 364 | 41 | 115 | 17 | 1 | .316 | 10 | 44 | 4 | |
| SS | 91 | 266 | 33 | 64 | 7 | 3 | .241 | 5 | 26 | 1 | |
| LF | 122 | 440 | 58 | 125 | 17 | 4 | .284 | 6 | 35 | 8 | |
| CF | 60 | 227 | 21 | 49 | 9 | 1 | .216 | 0 | 17 | 5 | |
| RF | 120 | 360 | 50 | 92 | 19 | 3 | .256 | 16 | 62 | 4 | |
| DH | 132 | 458 | 60 | 128 | 24 | 2 | .279 | 19 | 64 | 0 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; Avg = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | Avg | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 122 | 496 | 62 | 154 | 21 | 5 | .310 | 5 | 32 | 15 | |
| 96 | 313 | 47 | 75 | 18 | 2 | .240 | 13 | 40 | 2 | |
| 95 | 274 | 18 | 54 | 4 | 3 | .197 | 3 | 22 | 2 | |
| 97 | 244 | 24 | 70 | 8 | 2 | .287 | 4 | 34 | 1 | |
| 79 | 233 | 26 | 56 | 9 | 0 | .240 | 2 | 15 | 10 | |
| 89 | 194 | 19 | 40 | 8 | 1 | .206 | 1 | 13 | 2 | |
| 41 | 130 | 10 | 27 | 10 | 1 | .208 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| 31 | 100 | 7 | 20 | 4 | 0 | .200 | 1 | 10 | 0 | |
| 22 | 79 | 10 | 13 | 3 | 0 | .165 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| 24 | 63 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 1 | .175 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 23 | 41 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 0 | .171 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts| Player | G | GS | IP | W | L | ERA | R | ER | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 34 | 252 | 13 | 16 | 4.25 | 143 | 119 | 87 | 105 | |
| 34 | 34 | 244.2 | 10 | 18 | 4.19 | 127 | 114 | 85 | 127 | |
| 33 | 33 | 217 | 9 | 17 | 4.31 | 123 | 104 | 83 | 114 | |
| 17 | 17 | 87.1 | 2 | 13 | 6.18 | 68 | 60 | 68 | 40 | |
| 13 | 13 | 76.2 | 4 | 9 | 5.05 | 47 | 43 | 47 | 44 | |
| 13 | 12 | 59.2 | 2 | 8 | 6.79 | 54 | 45 | 39 | 33 | |
| 6 | 5 | 29.1 | 1 | 3 | 5.22 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | |
| 1 | 1 | 1.1 | 0 | 1 | 33.75 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | SV | ERA | R | ER | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 148 | 3.47 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 64 | 57 | 59 | 123 | |
| 43 | 86 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4.60 | 50 | 44 | 54 | 54 | |
| 43 | 107.1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 3.94 | 48 | 47 | 38 | 59 | |
| 19 | 52 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3.63 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 26 | |
| 14 | 21.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5.91 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 10 | |
| 12 | 18.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7.85 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 9 | |
| 13 | 27.1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6.59 | 22 | 20 | 6 | 15 |
All-Stars
All-Star Game1977 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1977 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 48th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 19, 1977, at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, New York the...
- Ron FairlyRon FairlyRonald Ray Fairly is a former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster. He either played in or broadcast over 7,000 major league games from through .-College career:...
, First Base, Reserve
Franchise firsts
- April 7, 1977:
- Game & Win: Toronto 9, Chicago (White Sox) 5 (at Exhibition StadiumExhibition StadiumCanadian National Exhibition Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, that formerly stood on the Exhibition Place grounds, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada....
) - Batter: John ScottJohn Scott (baseball)John Henry Scott is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for three seasons. He played with the San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1975 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977, playing in 118 career games....
- Pitcher: Bill SingerBill SingerWilliam Robert Singer is a former baseball pitcher with a 14-year career from 1964 to 1977. He played primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels , spending his final two seasons with the Texas Rangers , Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays .-Los Angeles Dodgers:Singer made...
- Home Run: Doug AultDoug AultDouglas Reagan Ault was a Major League Baseball first baseman/designated hitter who played for the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays . He batted right-handed and threw left-handed....
vs. Chicago (AL) - Save: Pete VuckovichPete VuckovichPeter Dennis Vuckovich is a retired American starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who came across as an intimidating presence on the mound with his 6'4" 220 lb frame and Fu Manchu moustache. Vuckovich was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1974...
vs. Chicago (AL)
- Game & Win: Toronto 9, Chicago (White Sox) 5 (at Exhibition Stadium
- Grand Slam: June 27, 1977: Héctor TorresHéctor TorresHéctor Epitacio Torres Marroquin is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played all or part of nine seasons in the majors, between and , for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays...
vs. New York (AL) - Walk Off Win: July 15, 1977: Toronto 8, Detroit 6 (13 innings)