A Blue Jays Canada Day VIDEO Journey

Jul 1, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view as a Canadian flag is unfurled across the outfield for Canada Day before the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

2011- Philadelphia Phillies- 7  Blue Jays- 6

On July 1st, 2011, Canadian, Rick Hansen threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Brandon Morrow. Hansen is famous for his “Man in Motion” tour that saw him travel around the world in his wheelchair to raise awareness of the potential that those with disabilities have. You can learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation HERE.

In that same game, Ferguson Jenkins joined the broadcast. Jenkins is the has the most wins of any Canadian pitcher with 284. The Hall of Famer talked about a number of topics including his commemorative stamp and Larry Walker‘s claim to the Hall of Fame.

Toronto Blue Jays Stocking the System Through the Draft

In his 19 year career, Jenkins compiled a record of 284-226. He was a 3 time All Star. He finished 3rd in Cy Young Award voting twice in 1970 and 1972, finished 2nd twice in ’67 & ’74 and won the award in 1971. He had 30 (!) complete games that season! 30! In fact, for his career, Jenkins logged 267 complete games.

The game itself saw Roy Halladay return to Toronto to bring out the lineup card. You might recall that the first job GM, Alex Anthopoulos was tasked with in the winter of 2009 was trading arguably the best player ever produced by the Blue Jays. “Doc” was traded to the Phillies, and the rest as they say, is history.

The Blue Jays, still looking for an ace had high hopes for 2011’s Canada Day starter. He’s since declined dramatically and been released. Ricky Romero started this celebratory game against the Phillies. The Blue Jays would go on to lose the game 7-6. Highlights include Jose Bautista and Eric Thames hit home runs. Thames is now hitting bombs in South Korea.

Next: Canada Day 201: Lawrie Chaos