Revisiting the Rivalry between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers

Over the last few seasons the Toronto Blue Jays have developed some intense rivalries. The Baltimore Orioles, the 2015 Kansas City Royals, most recently the Atlanta Braves. But none of those come close to the tension that exists between Toronto and the Texas Rangers.

This weekend the Toronto Blue Jays will host the Texas Rangers for the first time since Josh Donaldson slid home to win game three and complete the sweep of last season’s ALDS.

Here’s a quick recap of Texas V. Toronto saga.

THE HISTORY

These teams have a short history but it is a rich history.

It all started in the 2015 ALDS.

Texas came roaring out with two wins on the road to push the Jays to the brink of elimination. But Toronto came back to win three in a row, winning the franchise’s first playoff series since Joe Carter walked off the 1993 World Series versus the Philadelphia Phillies.

It’s the drama that unfolded during the final game of that series that gave birth to this rivalry. A bat flip, a three-error inning, and an extended beer can toss were all featured before the Jays won 6-3 advancing to the ALCS.

THE CALL

In the top of the seventh in game five Russell Martin failed to properly throw the ball back to pitcher Aaron Sanchez. It hit off Shin Soo Choo’s bat and rolled into foul territory. Rougned Odor, who was on third, bolted home despite the umpire calling the ball dead, scoring the go ahead run.

At first he was sent back to third but the Rangers manager Jeff Banister protested the call.

After the umpires conversed Odor was awarded home, Texas went up 3-2 – and a sold out crowd showed their disapproval for the call.

THE BEER CAN TOSS

On the broadcast the MLB commentators clearly explained the rule and how indeed the right call was made (Rule 6.03A). But the majority of the 49,742 fans in attendance did not have such insight and thought the Texas Rangers had taken a late inning lead on a questionable call.

The Blue Jays faithful let their displeasure be known.

First came the boos, but soon after projectiles started to rain down. During the 18 minute delay angry fans tossed rally towels, water bottles, and beer cans. Luckily no one was seriously injured but 39 fans were ejected and the league almost ordered both teams off the field.

BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH

The roller coaster of emotions continued for Jays fans as Toronto tied the game after a trio of errors by the Rangers and a bloop single by Donaldson. Then Jose Bautista came to the plate.

THE BAT FLIP

Tied at three Bautista launched the most important Blue Jays home run in more than two decades. The Jays slugger emphatically tossed his bat, standing in awe of his “no-doubter” shot. Toronto held on to the 6-3 lead and advance to the ALCS.

"“I’ve never seen anything like that in 19 years in baseball,” said former Blue Jays RA Dickey. “It was like a novel that you don’t want to put down.”"

But before Roberto Osuna could record the final out, the two teams had several dustups and bench-clearing altercations.

In a post-game scrum Rangers reliever Sam Dyson let it be known he wasn’t happy with Bautista’s behaviour.

"“(Bautista) needs to calm that down, just kind of respect the game a little more,” Dyson said. “He’s a huge role model for the younger generation that’s coming up playing this game, and I mean he’s doing stuff that kids do in Wiffle ball games and backyard baseball.” “It shouldn’t be done.”"

It’s worth noting that Dyson was the pitcher that Bautista hit the home run off.

THE SUCKER PUNCH

The debate over Bautista’s bat flip continued over the offseason, but the Rangers-Blue Jays drama simmered down until the two teams met in May 2016.

In the final game of the season series Rangers reliever Matt Bush beaned Bautista. Later that inning, Joey Bats slid hard into second and Odor took exception. The two squared off, pushes were exchanged, and eventually the short second baseman punched Bautista. The benches cleared and both Odor and Bautista were suspended (Odor for seven games, Bautista for one).

2016 ALDS

The rematch of the 2015 ALDS wasn’t nearly as exciting. The Jays swept the AL West champs and scored the winning run off an error by Odor himself.