Toronto Sports Team of the Year: You Decide (Poll)
By Paul Taylor
Toronto Blue Jays
Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Dalton Pompey (45) and Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Munenori Kawasaki (66) celebrate the win at the end of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
A) The Toronto Blue Jays had realistic hopes of finally returning to the postseason for the first time since 1993, leading their division at the half-way point of the season. Ultimately, they fell away, but still had their first winning season and most wins in four years, finishing the campaign with a 83-77 record.
B) The Blue Jays played the longest game in franchise history (both in terms of time and innings) on August 10th. They eventually defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-5, after 19 innings.
C) Edwin Encarnacion hit 16 home runs in May, tying the American League record held by Mickey Mantle for most in that month.
D) Encarnacion formed a lethal one-two punch with Jose Bautista, as they finished the season with 34 and 35 home runs respectively. Bautista also had 103 RBIs, with his teammate adding another 98.
E) Encarnacion and Bautista were joined in the 2014 All-Star game by Mark Buehrle. The pitcher was one of five players to record 10+ wins in 2014, setting a new franchise record for the Blue Jays.