1977 Toronto Blue Jays

BR Team Page

Record: 54-107, Finished 7th in AL Eastern Division (1977 AL)

Managed by Roy Hartsfield

Coaches: Bobby Doerr (hitting), Don Leppert (bullpen), Bob Miller (pitching), Jackie Moore (first base) and Harry Warner (third base)

Ballpark: Exhibition Stadium

History, Comments, Contributions

The 1977 Toronto Blue Jays represented the American League's first foray into Canada.

On the very first opening day for the Blue Jays, in fitting Canadian snowy weather, Toronto defeated the Chicago White Sox in memorable fashion with two home runs from Doug Ault. This feat lifted Ault to folk hero status in Toronto, a legacy which still remains today. The Blue Jays played tolerably through April, but faded quickly afterward.

38-year-old DH Ron Fairly hit his 200th career home run and registered his 1000th career RBI in 1977. He was the team's sole representative at the 1977 All-Star Game.

In the June 1977 amateur draft, the Blue Jays selected future star Jesse Barfield (as well as future Boston Celtics star Danny Ainge). Willie Upshaw was picked in the December 1977 Rule V Draft from the New York Yankees.

Awards and Honors

• All-Star: Ron Fairly
• Topps All-Star Rookie Team: Doug Ault (1B), Bob Bailor (SS) and Jerry Garvin (LhP)

1977 Opening Day Lineup

John Scott, lf

Hector Torres, ss

Doug Ault, 1b

Otto Velez, dh

Gary Woods, cf

Steve Bowling, rf

Pedro Garcia, 2b

Dave McKay, 3b

Rick Cerone, c

Bill Singer, p