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Blue Jays: Jays Journal Podcast- “Pride & Dignity” An exclusive interview with Tony Fernandez

By Ari Shapiro |
12 Apr 1998: Infielder Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in action during a game against the Texas Rangers at The Ball Park in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won the game, 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
12 Apr 1998: Infielder Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in action during a game against the Texas Rangers at The Ball Park in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won the game, 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

The Jays Journal Podcast is hosted by our own Ari Shapiro, and can be found on blogtalkradio.com. Tune in regularly to hear Ari and a wide range of guests talk about current issues, have roundtable discussions, and regularly take your calls to discuss all things Blue Jays.

Jays Journal Podcast – Pride & Dignity: An exclusive interview with Tony Fernandez.

Opening Monologue. (0:00-10:58)

His early childhood years, the moment baseball became a passion in life, which players inspired Tony most growing up in the Dominican Republic, how the vaunted “Fernandez sidearm toss” evolved, and his relationship with uber scout Epy Guerrero as both a father figure, mentor, and Latin baseball talent trailblazer. (10:59-27:22)

More from Jays Journal

Early days of losing expansion baseball, his relationship with his band of brothers, the moment he knew the Jays were legitimate playoff contenders, candid thoughts on the 1985 and 1987 teams, nostalgic rivalries with the Tigers and Yankees, on the delicate ebb and flow of self-confidence, the perpetual inability to win when it mattered most, and the time Buck Martinez made his jaw drop. (27:23-40:11)

Tony’s touching thoughts and strong feelings on Cito Gaston and how his leadership influenced everyone around him, on the pursuit of a standard of excellence, how the arrival of the SkyDome legitimized the team and made him forget Exhibition Stadium, his feelings on the bittersweet winter of 1991 and how he personally handled the biggest trade in franchise history. (40:11-50:21)

On returning to the Jays on three (3) different occasions and how close his heart is to all things Toronto, why the team’s loss of family values hurt their post-season future, the Japanese playing experience in the twilight of his career, the lack of respect he felt from baseball in a new decade, being recognized on the level of excellence and if the Blue Jays are doing enough with their alumni, and his honest impressions of the modern day roster and the current state of his overall health. (50:22-68:00)

Check out our previous episodes below:

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