Blue Jays: Jerry Howarth in his own words, Part 1

Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to be on the inside of baseball? To be up close and personal to the best hitters and pitchers? To be the one asking the questions that we all want to know? One man who€™ had this extraordinary opportunity is Toronto Blue Jays recently retired radio play by play announcer, Jerry Howarth.

Jerry Howarth is a name that resonates with baseball fans everywhere from coast to coast. He has had a successful and acclaimed career in broadcasting that makes even the most seasoned veterans look fledgling and amateur. He’€™s received accolades and awards. He’€™s been a part of the Blue Jay family since 1982.  He’s provided countless hours of information, statistics, and knowledge to his listeners with every game he’s called.

Incredibly, this contributor was given a rare, yet unique opportunity to interview the former voice of the Blue Jays. I had so many questions for Jerry but didn’€™t know where to start; do I ask about his favourite memories or best baseball games that he’€™s called? Do I ask about specific players or his opinions about the season thus far? After what seemed like hours narrowing down the dozens of questions I had, I decided to start it off by talking about our number one common interest, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Kirsten: In a couple sentences, can you tell me your thoughts on the 2018 Blue Jays thus far?

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Jerry: The 2018 Blue Jays have an outstanding five-man rotation to keep them in every game. The offence features veterans who can hit with power. Former Orioles manager Earl Weaver was famous for saying “Give me a well pitched game by a starter and a three-run home run and we will win our share of games”€ and that is exactly what John Gibbons can echo this season.

K: Regarding the team the Jays currently have, can you tell me the one player whom you think will have a stellar season?

J: I look for Teoscar Hernandez to have his “€œbreak out” season. He is young and athletic and has enough major league experience now with both the Astros and the Blue Jays to show that last September when he hit eight home runs was no fluke.

K:  What’€™s the one area the Jays can improve in currently and how?

J:  The Blue Jays defence up the middle can be improved from a year ago. I can already see that improvement with Aledmys Diaz at shortstop, a healthy Devon Travis at second, and both backed up very nicely by Gift Ngoepe who is an outstanding infielder.

K: A couple sentences on how the Jays will do this season going against the tough AL East:

J: The A.L. East features two of the best teams in baseball in New York and Boston. If the Blue Jays can play .500 baseball against these two teams and then do well against the Orioles and Rays, their chances of winning a Wild Card spot are greatly enhanced.

K:  3 words to describe the 2018 Jays:

J:  mature, focused, happy

Next: Blue Jays players react to Jackie Robinson Day

Come back tomorrow to read Part 2 of Jerry Howarth in his own words!