Retro Blue Jays: When 60 wins was the benchmark

Posted by Retrontario.

Given the current state of affairs, this might put a smile on your face…or make you angrier.

Whatever.

It’s a City-TV/CityPulse sportscast from September 12, 1980, detailing the Jays’ 7-5 win over Baltimore. It was a significant achievement, marking the first time the team had recorded 60 victories.

Look how much fun Peter Gross was having. He was fully aware the team was in last place at the time and didn’t care. He’s not whining or reminding the viewer how bad things are/were, nor is he begrudgingly talking about the Jays. Don’t hear him shitting on the front office or calling anyone tone deaf either. Maybe he’s being a little sarcastic, but he’s also embracing the pain.

Check out how the highlights are presented. They’re all from one solitary camera, stationed behind home plate at Exhibition Stadium. It’s literally one angle, one point of view. A strong reminder of a time when not every single game was televised.

ER

3 Gentle Suggestions About Tonight’s Wild Card Match

Happy Wild Card Tuesday! Apparently, it’s also appropriate to say…Happy “Almost everyone is pissed that Gibby chose Stro” Day! 

It’s fitting that during the 40th anniversary season, the Blue Jays participate in a historical first for the team. They’ve never held the title of Wild Card Winner, let alone compete for it in a do-or-die playoff match. 

So as first pitch approaches, here are three gentle suggestions to consider.

1) One of the best aspects about the playoffs is that everything is reset. Right now, the Jays and Orioles are on an even playing field. So forget everything that has happened up to this point. It’s winner-take-all and that means anything can happen. 

2) The worst thing the Jays can do is focus on the ALDS before earning the right to reach that level. Same goes for the fans. Tonight is about winning one game and one game only. Put all of your energy and interest into this evening’s match and deal with the future…in the future. 

3) Savour the moment! Far too many Blue Jay fans fixate only on the negative. There’s so much more to baseball than just wins and losses. It’s the playoffs and it’s exciting! Don’t worry about anything else and focus on the drama and the possible reward. In other words, just enjoy the game.

ER 

Episode 74: Stressful September

Feeling nervous, anxious and concerned? Take solace knowing you’re not the only one.

Former Blue Jay blogger Doug Plourd joins DNJT to chat about the Jays and their AL East rivals.

Episode 74 Direct MP3 Download

…or…

ALCS/NLCS Predictions

First, some final thoughts about the LDS:

1) I would like to thank the Angels, Nationals and Dodgers for making me look like a COMPLETE MORON.

2) Giants/Nats could’ve gone either way.

3) Nobody expected KC to beat up LAA.

4) Shame on me for thinking the Dodgers could actually beat St. Louis. The Cards usually find a way to get the job done.

It’s time to focus on the League Championship Series. Here’s what I’m predicting/guessing/hoping to see:

ALCS – Kansas City over Baltimore in seven games

NLCS – St. Louis over San Francisco in six games

ER

LDS Predictions

American League

Angels over Royals in four games
Orioles over Tigers in five games

National League

Dodgers over Cardinals in five games
Nationals over Giants in five games

ER

Retro Blue Jays – Inspired by Terry Gilliam

Posted by Retrontario’s YouTube page.

1987 was an infamous year for the Blue Jays.

I’m sure you know what happened. Therefore, there’s no need to bring it up. However, if you really want to rip that band-aid off, I will provide you with this recap.

There were some good moments too: George Bell was named American League MVP and the Jays hit 10 home runs in a game against Baltimore.

The ’87 season also provided a unique animated advertisement that’s displayed above. It promotes the first home series of the season; but what makes it noteworthy is the presentation.

The ad shows a blue flash (which later turns out be an actual blue jay) wreaking havoc on a group of nouns that represent the Jays’ division rivals at the time: Orioles, Yankees, Red Sox, Brewers, Indians and Tigers. The cartoon images – by today’s standards – are sub par, but would’ve likely garnered a few entertained laughs. The animation also pays a small homage to Terry Gilliam, which is illustrated through the character representing the Yankees.

The so-called nouns are stereotypical, which isn’t bad until you come to the character representing the Cleveland Indians. Even by 1987 standards, it’s borderline racist.

Though a quick Google search yields nothing, I would be very surprised if the CRTC or CBSC didn’t receive at least one complaint about it. These days, an advertisement such as the one above would never have seen the light of the day. Even if it was made, there’s no way Rogers would release it.