The Toronto Blue Jays are set to return to the postseason on Friday for the first time since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, facing the Seattle Mariners in Toronto’s first MLB postseason game since 2016.
Anticipation around Toronto has swelled to a fever pitch, something the great Jose Bautista can relate to.
Bautista played parts of 10 seasons with the Blue Jays, but had to wait until his eighth season before reaching the postseason in 2015 for the first time. It was not only the first time for Bautista, but also the first time the organization reached the playoffs in 22 years.
“You might have grown up or played in a bunch of different places where you feel like people care and love you, but it’s a different level of care [in Toronto]Bautista told TSN1050 on Friday. In Toronto, it feels like another level of excitement, energy and intensity.”
“I feel hostile to the enemy, I can assure him. I guarantee you both teams haven’t experienced anything like this.”
Bautista hit .253 with 288 home runs and 766 RBI during his 10 seasons with the Blue Jays. His 54 home runs in 2010 remain the most by a Blue Jay in a single season.
Bautista: Fans have a different level of care in Toronto, especially in the playoffs
Blue Jays legend Jose Bautista joins First Up to discuss the Blue Jays’ Wild Card streak, why Toronto has a big home field advantage, his memories of the Bat Flip, what the players’ mindset is right now and more.
The now 41-year-old also contributed a .243 batting average with six home runs and 16 RBIs in his two postseasons in Toronto. No hit, however, was bigger than his three-run shot against right-hander Sam Dyson and the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning of the decisive Game 5 of the 2015 American League Division Series to give the Blue Jays a lead they would never lead. they will not back down.
That home run is embedded in Blue Jays history, and Bautista’s celebration with the bat is one of the most iconic photos in franchise history.
“Sometimes in baseball, it’s not always about the amount of pressure or other elements,” Bautista said of his performance in big moments. “As athletes and hitters, you have to deal with all the elements like who’s throwing, how the ball is moving, how my swing feels and what the situation is in front of me. The fact that you’re in line for records or other milestones like this adds elements to deal with, but not necessarily more pressure.
“[Against the Rangers] I thought from the heart and from experience. I was hugging myself [the moment]but [also] focusing on how I can control myself, my movement, my swing and how my opponent might try to get me out.
“I would recommend to [the current Blue Jays] to have this approach. I think they’re all young enough, but veteran enough and great enough players to understand some of that stuff.”
When Bautista looks at this year’s Blue Jays, he believes infielders Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez are candidates to perform. But one player he keeps a close eye on is catcher Alejandro Kirk.
“Kirk could be put in a situation where he would [have to] come out on top,” Bautista said. “He’s a man I admire [with] his style and the way he hits, so I hope he does something big.”
Add Comment