The 1969 season witnessed the debut of two expansion teams, the Houston Astros and the Montreal Expos, who embarked on their inaugural campaigns in Major League Baseball. Both teams faced numerous challenges as they sought to establish themselves in the league. The month of August proved to be a critical juncture in their respective journeys.
For the Houston Astros, August marked a period of significant improvement and progress. Despite a slow start to the season, they showed resilience and determination, steadily improving their performance in the summer months. Led by talented players such as Joe Morgan and Jimmy Wynn, the Astros began to find their footing and make their presence felt in the league. While the playoffs remained out of reach, their August surge provided hope for a brighter future.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Expos encountered a more arduous season. As an expansion team, they faced the challenges of building a competitive roster from scratch. In August, the Expos struggled to maintain consistency, battling with their lack of experience and depth. Despite the hardships, the team displayed flashes of potential, thanks to players like Rusty Staub and Ron Fairly, who showcased their abilities and hinted at a promising future.
The 1969 season allowed both the Houston Astros and the Montreal Expos to lay the foundation for their future endeavors in Major League Baseball. While the Astros demonstrated signs of growth and improvement in August, the Expos endured their share of challenges as they navigated their inaugural season. Their journey in 1969 laid the groundwork for their development into integral components of the league's landscape in the years to come.
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4 hours
Aug 11, 1994Aug 11, 1994
The 1994 baseball season for the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees was...
Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / The 1994 baseball season for the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees was marked by both promise and frustration, with the unfolding events in August playing a significant role in shaping their paths. The Blue Jays had a strong roster, boasting talented players like Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter, and they were poised to make a run for the playoffs. However, August brought about a series of challenges for the team, particularly in their pitching staff, which struggled to maintain consistency. This hindered their overall performance, and despite their offensive prowess, the Blue Jays faced an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot.For the New York Yankees, the 1994 season brought renewed hope and excitement. They had an impressive lineup, led by the iconic Don Mattingly, and found themselves in a competitive position as August approached. During this month, the Yankees displayed flashes of brilliance, both offensively and defensively, which helped them gain momentum and solidify their standing as a playoff contender. Their pitching staff, anchored by Jimmy Key and Melido Perez, delivered consistent performances, elevating the team's chances of reaching the postseason.As August progressed, the rivalry between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees intensified, with both teams vying for a spot in the playoffs. While the Blue Jays faced challenges that threatened their postseason aspirations, the Yankees appeared to be on the rise, showcasing their potential to be a formidable force in the league. The outcome of the 1994 season was ultimately left unresolved due to the players' strike in August, which resulted in the cancellation of the remainder of the season and the playoffs. Despite the abrupt end, the season rivalry between the Blue Jays and the Yankees left fans and players alike wondering what might have been had the events unfolded differently.
On Sunday, September 2, 1990, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the...
Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians - Stieb No Hitter - Radio Broadcast / On Sunday, September 2, 1990, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Stadium. The Blue Jays sent out their ace, Dave Stieb, who entered the game with a remarkable 16-5 record. The Indians countered with Bud Black, who was having a solid season with a 10-8 record. At this point in the season, the Blue Jays were in a tight race in the AL East, while the Indians were struggling to stay out of the basement in the AL Central. The 1990 season was marked by a number of standout performances, including the rise of young stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and the continued dominance of established players like Rickey Henderson.
The game started as a pitching duel, with both Stieb and Black keeping the opposing offenses at bay through the first three innings. The Blue Jays broke the silence in the fourth inning, when first baseman Fred McGriff hit a solo home run off Black. Toronto added another run in the fifth inning, with a double from center fielder Kenny Williams and another double from second baseman Manuel Lee. Despite these runs, the game remained a pitchers' duel, as Stieb kept the Indians' offense completely in check.
Meanwhile, the Indians struggled to mount any offense against Stieb. Despite drawing four walks, the team was unable to capitalize on these opportunities. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, were able to add an insurance run in the ninth inning, courtesy of another solo home run from McGriff. This provided a comfortable cushion for Stieb, who completed the game without allowing a single hit to the Indians.
The game ended in a 3-0 victory for the Blue Jays, with Stieb throwing a no-hitter and improving his record to an impressive 17-5. McGriff's two home runs were key to the victory, providing all the offense the Blue Jays needed. The win helped the Blue Jays in their pursuit of the AL East title, although they would eventually finish in second place behind the Boston Red Sox. The Indians, meanwhile, continued their struggles and finished the season in the last place in the AL Central. The 1990 season was memorable for a number of reasons, including Nolan Ryan's 300th win and the Cincinnati Reds' wire-to-wire World Series victory, but this game stood out as a highlight, showcasing the dominance of Dave Stieb and the power of Fred McGriff.
Gord Ash has been around Major League Baseball for a long time and he's now...
Gord Ash on how the 1989 Blue Jays will set up their pitching staff / Gord Ash has been around Major League Baseball for a long time and he's now set to be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. Three decades ago, the Toronto-born Ash was working for his hometown Blue Jays and CBC wanted to know what "the game plan" was for pitching, as the 1989 season approached.
2½ hours
Oct 4, 1987Oct 4, 1987
The Detroit Tigers squared off 7 times against the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic...
ABC Blue Jays at Tigers / The Detroit Tigers squared off 7 times against the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic run to capture the American League Eastern Division title during the final week of the 1987 season. The last three games were at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, with the Tigers sweeping the Blue Jays to win the title on the last game of the season on a 1-0 victory. The pitchers were Frank Tanana for the Tigers and Jimmy Key for the Blue Jays. Both went the distance, pitching incredible games. But this was the game of Frank Tanana's career, and the Blue Jays could not get anything going against him. The Tigers lone run was a bases empty home run early in the game from Larry Herdon. That run is not shown on this video.
The video is the ABC national broadcast featuring Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, and Tim McCarver. No copyright infringement intended.
8 minutes
Oct 4, 1987Oct 4, 1987
Ernie Harwell calls the final inning as Detroit clinches the division in a 1–0 victory over Toronto in front of
Detroit Tigers Clinch 1987 AL East / Ernie Harwell calls the final inning as Detroit clinches the division in a 1–0 victory over Toronto in front of 51,005 fans at Tiger Stadium on Sunday afternoon, October 4. Frank Tanana pitched a complete game shutout, and outfielder Larry Herndon hit a second-inning solo home run for the game's only run.
4½ hours
Oct 3, 1987Oct 3, 1987
Blue Jays trying to turn-around big losing streak in last week of the season and...
NBC Game of the Week: Blue Jays at Tigers / Blue Jays trying to turn-around big losing streak in last week of the season and make the post-season. The Tigers are red-hot and hoping to overtake them on the season's final weekend. Enjoy this great NBC Baseball Game of the Week
3½ hours
Sep 27, 1987Sep 27, 1987
Doyle Alexander throws 10 2/3 innings in this one. Clancy throws 7 shutout innings.
Tigers...
Tigers (Alexander) at Blue Jays (Clancy) / Doyle Alexander throws 10 2/3 innings in this one. Clancy throws 7 shutout innings.
Tigers had blown the two prior games, but they pull this one out - 3-2 in 13 innings.
3 hours
Sep 26, 1987Sep 26, 1987
The Tigers go to Exhibition Stadium in Toronto a couple of games behind the Blue...
Tigers (Terrell) at Blue Jays (Stieb) Game Of The Week - Vin Scully / The Tigers go to Exhibition Stadium in Toronto a couple of games behind the Blue Jays. Neither Terrell or Stieb last beyond the third inning. Henneman blows the save in the 9th, giving up 3 runs. Tigers had a 9-7 lead going into the 9th.
3 hours
Sep 25, 1987Sep 25, 1987
Frank Tanana goes 7 shutout innings, but the bullpen can't hold on, and the Jays...
Tigers (Tanana) at Blue Jays (Key) / Frank Tanana goes 7 shutout innings, but the bullpen can't hold on, and the Jays win 3-2. This is the second to last start of the regular season for Tanana and Key, who will meet again on the final day of the season.
53 minutes
Jan 16, 2019
Mark Gubicza of the Royals and Rance Mulliniks of the Blue Jays look back at this gut-wrenching series that launched
Sports Rivals:1985 American League Championship / Mark Gubicza of the Royals and Rance Mulliniks of the Blue Jays look back at this gut-wrenching series that launched The Royals to their miraculous 1985 World Series Championship.
34 minutes
Mar 4, 2019
The Players Jack Morris is a Hall of Fame pitcher who never intended to leave a game he started until
Sports Rivals: 1984 Tigers vs Blue Jays / The Players Jack Morris is a Hall of Fame pitcher who never intended to leave a game he started until it was over. In 1984, he helped lead the Detroit Tigers to a World Championship. Buck Martinez was a catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays (later to be their manager).
3½ hours
Sep 19, 1980Sep 19, 1980
On Friday, September 19, 1980, the Baltimore Orioles faced the Toronto...
Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles - Radio Broadcast / On Friday, September 19, 1980, the Baltimore Orioles faced the Toronto Blue Jays at Memorial Stadium. The Orioles sent their ace, Jim Palmer, to the mound, while the Blue Jays countered with their own starter, Gary Todd. At this point in the season, the Orioles were in a tight race for the American League East title, while the Blue Jays were struggling to stay out of the division basement. The 1980 season was also notable for the rise of young stars in the league, with players like Rickey Henderson making waves with their performances.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to hold onto a lead for long. The Blue Jays jumped out to an early lead, but the Orioles fought back, with a key home run from Al Bumbry in the 3rd inning. The Blue Jays, however, were able to respond with a home run of their own from Dave Hodgson in the 6th inning. The Orioles' bullpen, led by Dennis Martinez, was able to keep the game close, despite the Blue Jays' offense showing signs of life.
The game turned into a seesaw battle, with the lead changing hands multiple times. In the late innings, the Orioles' offense came alive, with key hits from Ken Singleton and Doug DeCinces. The Orioles' bullpen was able to hold off a late rally from the Blue Jays, with Tippy Martinez picking up the win in relief.
The Orioles' 8-6 victory over the Blue Jays was a key win in their push for the postseason. However, despite this victory, the Orioles would ultimately fall short of the playoffs, finishing second in the American League East. The 1980 season was a memorable one for the Orioles, with Eddie Murray having a standout year and finishing second in the MVP voting. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays continued their struggles, finishing last in the division. Despite their struggles, the Blue Jays had some bright spots, with Lloyd Moseby establishing himself as a future star.
3 hours
Jul 2, 1978Jul 2, 1978
For the Cleveland Indians, the 1978 season was challenging. They struggled to find consistency in...
Cleveland Indians vs Toronto Blue Jays - Radio Broadcast / For the Cleveland Indians, the 1978 season was challenging. They struggled to find consistency in their gameplay, facing difficulties both offensively and defensively. In August, their weaknesses became more apparent, as they struggled to secure crucial victories and make significant progress in the standings. While they had some individual standout performances from players like Andre Thornton, their collective efforts fell short, preventing them from making a strong push for the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Toronto Blue Jays had a more promising season in 1978. In August, they displayed flashes of potential, with players like Dave Stieb showcasing their talent and contributing to the team's success. Their pitching staff performed admirably, holding opponents in check and providing a solid foundation for the team's victories. Although the Blue Jays were not yet a playoff contender, their progress and growing competitive spirit were evident throughout August.
3½ hours
Apr 7, 1977Apr 7, 1977
On April 7, 1977, at Exhibition Stadium, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the...
Chicago White Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays - Radio / On April 7, 1977, at Exhibition Stadium, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the Chicago White Sox in a game that captured early season intrigue. The starting pitchers, Ken Brett for the White Sox and Bill Singer for the Blue Jays, took the mound under the watchful eyes of baseball enthusiasts keen to see how these teams would perform. This season was particularly notable for the Blue Jays, marking their inaugural year in Major League Baseball, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation around their games. The White Sox, on the other hand, were looking to make their mark early in the season, aiming to build on their past performances and eyeing a successful campaign.
The game unfolded with an energetic start as both teams put runs on the board in the early innings. Notably, Richie Zisk of the White Sox showcased his power with a home run in the first inning, setting a competitive tone. The Blue Jays responded in kind, with Doug Ault hitting two home runs, one in the first and another in the third inning, contributing significantly to the Blue Jays' offense. The middle innings saw a continuation of this back-and-forth, with both teams' offenses finding opportunities to score. The Blue Jays' Al Woods also made a notable debut, hitting a home run that added to the excitement of the game. The pitching changes for both teams attempted to stem the flow of runs, with the Blue Jays' bullpen managing to hold off the White Sox's advances in the later innings.