The Toronto Blue Jays made their way to the World Series 32 years ago, with support from the St. Catharines community and their minor league team, known as the Baby Jays. The St. Catharines Blue Jays were established in 1985 as part of the Toronto MLB organization to expand their fan base. The team played in the New York-Penn League for a decade, acting as a stepping stone for players aspiring to reach the major leagues.
St. Catharines, primarily recognized for hockey and rowing, proved to be an ideal location for baseball due to its proximity to Toronto and suitable facilities like Community Park, now George Taylor Field. The NYPL served as an “up or out” league, pushing players to excel and progress to higher levels or exit the sport.
Players like Carlos Delgado started their careers with St. Catharines before moving on to achieve success in the MLB. Delgado fondly recalls his time with the Baby Jays, emphasizing the impact of his experience in Canada on his baseball journey.
The City of St. Catharines aimed to boost sports tourism by upgrading their baseball facilities and attracting visitors through the Baby Jays team. The community embraced the team, with local businesses and fans actively supporting the players. Despite the team’s eventual rebranding and departure from St. Catharines, the memories of the Baby Jays era remain cherished by fans like Jordan Clark.
After nine years, the Baby Jays were sold to local investors, leading to their transformation into the Stompers. However, the dream of building a baseball stadium in downtown St. Catharines did not materialize, and the team eventually left the city in 1999. Despite the team’s departure, the legacy of the St. Catharines Blue Jays continues to hold a special place in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts.
Image Source: TorontoNation.com
