Retro Blue Jays – Dan Shulman In The Booth

Posted by CatchTheTaste, FlightSimFanatic and MLB.

Last week, Rogers announced that Dan Shulman will be joining the Blue Jays’ broadcast team for the next two seasons. It will be on a part-time basis as Shulman will continue his duties with ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Nevertheless, there was a sense of nostalgia and excitement.

Shulman had a prominent on-air role during the early years of Sportsnet 590 (back when it was known as the FAN 1430). He was even the host of Prime Time Sports at one point.

Certain Jays fans will also remember Shulman as the team’s play-by-play voice from 1995-2001 on TSN. He worked alongside Buck Martinez and Pat Tabler.

In honour of Shulman’s return to the Jays’ broadcast booth, here are some clips from his TSN days. Starting off is a commercial he appeared in with Martinez, Roger Clemens and Benito Santiago. Next are seperate intros with Martinez and Tabler, followed by a play-by-play clip from a 2001 broadcast.

 

 

 

 

ER

An open apology letter to Marco Estrada

Dear Marco,

About a year ago, Milwaukee traded you to the Blue Jays, in exchange for Adam Lind. To be perfectly honest, I was less than thrilled.

It was nothing personal. It’s just that I was a big fan of Adam Lind.

Lind was one of the longest serving Blue Jays at the time. He spent the better part of nine seasons wearing a Jays uniform! Sure, he wasn’t always an offensive stud, but the dude could hit. We’re also the same age, which really means nothing; but to me, it means something.

And seriously, Adam had grown a badass goatee. He was also once rocking a badass Transformers toque. How can you not love the guy?!

When the trade went down, I wrote the following: “Marco Estrada’s numbers aren’t awful, but they’re not fabulous either. Either way, he’s not worth giving up Lind’s power. Sure, Lind couldn’t hit lefties, but I feel he offers more than what Estrada could contribute to the team. Of course, I could be wrong and Estrada becomes a beneficial reliever out of the bullpen. Time will tell.”

Time did tell and I was wrong.

In a season full of pleasant surprises, you were definitely one of them. You were given an opportunity and took full advantage of it, becoming a strong middle rotation starter. Permit me to remind you how you nearly no-hit the Orioles and Rays!

And let’s not forget when you started game three of the ALDS. Thanks to your efforts, there was a game four. Let’s also not forget your amazing efforts in game five of the ALCS!

So please accept this note as my apology to you. I’m sorry for doubting you. I’m sorry for not giving you a fair chance last year. I’m sorry for thinking Adam Lind was better suited for the Jays than you.

Not sure what your plans are for 2016, but if you choose to come back, it would be greatly appreciated.

Sending you warm regards,

ER