Blue Jays: Good years with bad Aprils

Oct 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays former manager Cito Gaston waves to the crowd before the game against the Kansas City Royals in game five of the ALCS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

1989- AL East Champs (finished April 9-16)

The Blue Jays made the playoffs for the second time in franchise history in 1989, after winning the AL East division. The team was lead by the likes of Fred McGriff, Dave Stieb, Tony Fernandez, George Bell, and many more Blue Jay greats. Despite a team loaded with talent, they struggled mightily in the month of April before righting the ship throughout the season.

After finishing April with a record of 9-16, they weren’t a whole lot better in May, finishing 11-15. When things were starting to look bleak, the Blue Jays turned things around, going 17-10 in June, 20-9 in August, and 17-10 in September as well, mowing opponents down, in the second half in particular. The team started the year with Jimy Williams as their manager, going 12-24 under his guidance. After the team installed Cito Gaston, they finished going 77-49.

The Jays wouldn’t take the division lead until September 1st, and were 4 games back as late as July 30th. A 37-19 record over the final two months made up the deficit, as they held on to win the division by two games.

Of course, they were ultimately eliminated in the ALCS, losing 4 games to 1 to the Oakland Athletics.

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